Emotional scene in Montreal as Patrik Laine is introduced to the crowd

In the fourth preseason game for the Montreal Canadiens, newcomer Patrik Laine was injured on a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare in the first period of a 2-1 loss. He knew then he was not going to take part in the home opener’s ceremony.

On Wednesday night, as the Habs hosted the Maple Leafs again, all Canadiens’ players were introduced in the ceremony and that included the injured ones.

When Laine was introduced to the Bell Centre’s crowd, he received a long and moving standing ovation. It was easy to tell that Laine was moved by the reception. Head coach Martin St. Louis reached over to him at one point and tapped him on the back.

Laine was acquired by the Canadiens in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19 along with a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for defenseman Jordan Harris.

The Finnish forward will have to wait for his start in Montreal as he will miss at least the next two months with his knee injury. However, he can be assured that the fans are looking forward to seeing him on the ice and support him in his recovery.