Patrik Laine steps in and defends teammate during heated exchange at Canadiens practice

The on-ice sessions started with the Montreal Canadiens rookie camp, but the real treat was getting to see some veterans sneak in, too, as many were already out on the ice skating hard.

Yes, you read that right, the regulars were right in the mix and included Patrik Laine. Things got pretty intense.

But hold up, it's not what you think! What we mean by "intense" is in the best kind of ways. Fierce battles in the corners and energy off the charts. You love to see it, as the players are already gearing up like this before the season even starts. You know the saying: "You play how you practice," and if today's any indication, they're gearing up for a strong season. You can see the video below:

Michael Pezzetta gets leveled solidly, accidentally of course, by David Savard, directly in the numbers. But here is where it gets interesting: Patrik Laine, fresh face on the squad, did not bat an eye. Of course, he did not go after Savard, but his instinct was to step in and back up Pezzetta. That is precisely what you want to see from your team.

Patrik Laine's 6-foot-5 frame is going to be a force this season, particularly when defending his teammates. If today's any indication, he'll be standing up for his teammates even harder once the real games start. Looks like Laine's already fitting in perfectly!

Habs players better take it easy, before one of their stars gets injured even before any preseason games get underway.

Source: Habs Fanatics
Things got heated at Habs' practice: Michael Pezzetta gets taken down and Patrik Laine steps in immediately