“Habs fans gassing up” “0 expectations”: NHL fans react as Patrik Laine set to make Canadiens debut against Islanders

On Tuesday, Patrik Laine will make his regular-season debut for the Montreal Canadiens against the New York Islanders. Laine resumed skating on Nov. 20 and participated in the morning skate. He was on a line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky. Laine is expected to take a top-six role and play on the power play.

Fans reacted following Laine's update circulated. HFTV tweeted:

“Patrik Laine plays hockey for the Montreal Canadiens today. Let that sink in.”

“Habs fans gassing up mid as per usual,” one fan replied.

“I’m so hyped about his return and have absolutely 0 expectations from him for the next 20 games,” another fan said.

"Let’s lower our expectation though. So many injuries, holding the player form, haven’t played since forever 😭 Pretty cool he’s back. Hopefully it can start waking up Dach," a fan mentioned.

Here are some more reactions to Laine's return on X:

"Patrick Laine hasn’t played a single game for the Habs because he can’t skate. Let that sink in," one fan wrote.

"Great news for Patrik, but the HABS are dead last in the East... Zero chance of making playoffs, so hopefully this return isn't rushed..." another fan mentioned.

"Everyone should curb their enthusiasm but I will say, if he gets PP time and puts one in, the place will go insane," a fan shared.

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Patrik Laine's recent struggles with back-to-back injuries

Patrik Laine injured his left knee in a preseason game on Sept. 28. He collided with Cedric Pare of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Laine was placed on IR and was expected to be out for 2-3 months. This happened as Laine chose not to have surgery and started skating again on Nov. 6.

He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens on Aug. 19 from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He still has two years left on his $34.8 million contract. His last game with the Blue Jackets was on Dec. 14, 2023, when he broke his clavicle.

Laine also received care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program beginning in January and was cleared in July. Last season, he recorded nine points (six goals, three assists) in 18 games.

Meanwhile, Montreal Canadians' concerns are piling up this season. They have a record of 8-13-3 and are the most unsuccessful team in the Atlantic Division this season. They are placed in eighth position below Ottawa Senators with 19 points.