Patrik Laine injury: Canadiens receive significant update on star winger

Patrik Laine has been dealing with a knee injury all season long. Sustained in the preseason, the injury has kept him out of the lineup for the Montreal Canadiens. He was expected to miss a large chunk of the season, but it now appears that he is on the way back to the team.

According to reports, Laine is wearing a regular hockey sweater this morning for practice. It's the first time he's practiced with the team in a regular jersey all year, marking the first significant step in his comeback.

The 26-year-old wing was acquired by the Canadiens with a draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets over the offseason. The Habs sent defenseman Jordan Harris to Columbus in return.

That's not all; the winger is also set to join the Habs' lineup following his recovery from injury. With that being said, the 26-year-old appears to be progressing well, having moved from non-contact practice to being a full participant on Monday.

Habs HC Martin St. Louis though said he doesn’t expect to see Patrik Laine return before the end of the week.

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Canadiens react to Patrik Laine's impending return

Patrik Laine is set to be back on the ice soon for the Montreal Canadiens. The wing has not played any regular season this season, his first with Montreal, after sustaining a knee injury during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 28. He is back at practice, which is a welcome sight for the Habs.

Patrik Laine could be back to the Canadiens soon (Imagn)

Defenseman David Savard said, via ESPN:

"It's nice to have him back with us. It can feel like a long time when you're not practicing with the team, you don't see the guys as much. We've made an effort to keep him involved as much as possible during team meetings, but it's tougher when we're on the road. But it's great to see him and to know he's close to returning to play."

Laine hasn't played in the NHL since Dec. 14 with the Columbus Blue Jackets due to a variety of injuries and a stint in the mental health program. His coach Martin St. Louis believes Laine may need some time to get back to top form after such a long break:

"Will it take one game? Two weeks? I don't know, we'll see."

Laine began skating in November and has worn a regular uniform today for the first time. He is still expected to make his return to the team sometime in December, which could be in a week or so.