Laine receives loud ovation from Canadiens fans before opening night

Injured forward gets warm welcome at Bell Centre

Patrik Laine ovation
By Anna Kulesa
@akulesa_ NHL.com Staff Writer

Patrik Laine’s debut for the Montreal Canadiens might be delayed, but the fans are thrilled to have him at the Bell Centre.

The Finnish forward received a loud ovation from Canadiens fans in the stands during player introductions before the team’s opening night game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal.

Canadiens fans got to their feet and cheered extensively after Laine’s name was announced. The Canadiens forward smiled at the crowd as head coach Martin St. Louis patted him on the back.

Laine is currently out for two to three months with a knee sprain that he sustained during a preseason game against the Maple Leafs on Sept. 28.

In August, the forward was traded to the Canadiens by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Related Content

Laine on knee sprain: 'Could have been much worse'

Short Shifts

ESPN airs touching tribute to Gaudreau before opening night

Pittsburgh milkshake shop announces new ‘Rusty’s Shake’

Jazz forward Markkanen, Utah owners perform inaugural ceremonial puck drop

Panthers raise Stanley Cup championship banner before 2024-25 season opener

EA Sports simulates 2024-25 season using NHL 25

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' is a binge-worthy series for everyone

Gaudreau honored before Global Series game with 13-second moment of silence

Save of the Season? Already? Devils' Markstrom reaches back for amazing stop

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' Episode 1 features Nylander, Pastrnak as friends, rivals

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' Episode 2 highlights injury struggles for Eichel, Forsberg

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' Episode 3 shows Tkachuk's Panthers on collision course with Swayman, Bruins

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' Episode 4 explores challenges of captaincy in League

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' Episode 5 follows McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman march to Cup Final

'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' Episode 6 features McDavid, Tkachuk battle for Stanley Cup

Benson, Levi buy Sabres teammates souvenirs in Prague

Oshie shares incredibly long van Riemsdyk putt on indoor carpet

EA Sports NHL 25 brings new 'Ice-Q' technology to popular video game series

Fleury joins Wild ice crew during preseason game