Patrik Laine Reveals Shocking Conversation Details He Had With Maple Leafs Cedric Pare

Patrik Laine was a very recognizable figure at the training session of the Montreal Canadiens in Mont-Tremblant on Thursday morning. Being injured at this time didn't keep him off from wanting to be with his team and keeping his teammates' company. And his appearance at the practice generated excitement among the fans and players, who appreciated his effort to be part of the squad, even knowing he's out. The camp in Mont-Tremblant was basically a team retreat and gave Laine the chance to spend time with teammates away from the ice, which helped boost morale since he wasn't part of it.

Patrik Laine injured his left knee last Saturday during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and will be out of action for two to three months. The 26-year-old Finnish winger came together in a violent knee-to-knee play with Leafs forward Cedric Pare, which saw him wincing in pain and taking himself out of the game. Of course, that immediately sparked much debate in the hockey community, with some speculating about intent and whether the hit was dirty. He himself quickly diffused the tension, however, insisting no hard feelings towards Pare and that it was just an unfortunate part of the game.

This injury happens at a really frustrating time for Patrik Laine, who looked good to make a strong start to the new season after managing just 18 games last year through injury. Having played for both the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets, Laine had arrived with fresh optimism in Montreal. He was looking forward to hitting the ice and becoming a difference-maker in the Canadiens lineup. Rather than opting for surgery, Laine chose to let it heal on its own with the support of the team's medical staff, hoping time would enable him to get back to full fitness without the added recovery time surgery would demand. He does remain optimistic about his future, working hard to get back onto the ice, stronger than ever.

While rehabilitation can be dull and depressing, Patrik Laine has managed to keep himself in high spirits. Upon being asked when he may return, his humorous response dismissed the severity of such a question with a light, joking comment. This attitude has definitely not gone unseen by the fans and teammates alike, who respect his resilience and resolve to this situation. Laine's jovial mood has served as inspiration to the Canadiens marching through a pre-season schedule. His sense of camaraderie and humor in the face of adversity has made him further popular as a favorite in the locker room, even while he is unable to contribute on the ice.

As the Canadiens continue on with training camp in Mont-Tremblant, Patrik Laine has remained a visible presence and ombudsman of sorts for the fighting spirit of the team. The public practice on Friday will allow fans another opportunity to see their team in action before the Canadiens wrap up their pre-season on Saturday with a rematch against the Ottawa Senators. While Laine won't be on the ice for a few more months, his being present with the team and positive attitude do give reason for optimism that when he is back in action, he will be ready to go and make some serious noise for the storied franchise.