In a 2-1 pre-season loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens players Patrik Laine and David Reinbacher both sustained injuries. Laine was unable to put weight on his left leg after a knee-on-knee collision with Cédric Paré, while Reinbacher suffered an ankle injury just seconds into the game.
Reinbacher was checked hard into the boards by the Leafs’ Marshall Rifai, resulting in an awkward fall that twisted his ankle. He was assisted off the ice and did not return.
Shortly afterward, Laine collided with Paré near the blue line, also requiring help to leave the ice. Paré, who has yet to play an NHL regular-season game, was not penalized for the hit. Laine, visibly frustrated, threw his helmet while being helped off. There was no immediate update on the condition of either player after the game.
The Canadiens lost the game with Nicholas Robertson scoring both goals for the Leafs, while Kirby Dach scored for Montreal. The Leafs fielded a largely minor-league lineup, missing key players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. Montreal went 0-for-7 on the power play, while Toronto converted 1-of-4 opportunities.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis expressed frustration that Paré wasn’t penalized for the hit, and referenced the team’s ongoing injury struggles, but maintained they would continue pressing forward. Nick Suzuki, the Canadiens captain, downplayed the notion of a jinx and expressed sympathy for Laine.
Laine, recently acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets, is expected to be a major contributor to the Canadiens’ offense. However, he has struggled with injuries, including a broken clavicle last season, and mental health challenges. The extent of his current injury is not yet known, but it raises concerns about his availability for the regular season.
Tensions escalated during the game after Laine’s hit, with Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj fighting Paré in retaliation. Xhekaj was ejected, leaving Montreal with only four defensemen for the rest of the game. Later in the game, Juraj Slafkovsky fought Rifai in response to the hit on Reinbacher.
The Canadiens have two pre-season games remaining against the Ottawa Senators before they open the regular season against the Maple Leafs on October 11. Following the game, Montreal announced 27 roster cuts, with 16 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies sent down to the AHL’s Laval Rocket.
