The reason behind Patrik Laine avoiding a season-ending injury has officially been revealed

The first pre-season meeting between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs had everything, but unfortunately that involved injuries too, with both David Reinbacher and Patrik Laine going down with brutal knee injuries. The overwhelming expectation was that both would be out for significant periods of time, and while that was confirmed for Reinbacher, the former Jets and Blue Jackets star shocked the NHL world.

On Tuesday after a nervous two day wait, the Canadiens used their official social media to confirm that contrary to popular belief, Laine would be able to return in the new year.

This was an absolute surprise to everyone around the league, and for Montreal Canadiens fans, it means that their Stanley Cup Playoffs hopes still have life, but how exactly did Laine escape a serious injury and a season ending surgery? According to a report, it was the knee brace that Laine was wearing that protected him just enough during the knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare, saving his 2024/25 season with the Canadiens.

Shortly after the injury, Laine was seen on crutches at Canadiens practice keeping a positive attitude, and that optimism has continued on social media, with Laine thanking fans and reassuring them that he'll be back to 100% at some point in the new year.

It's unclear just how effective he'll be upon return, but with a line of Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach awaiting him, if they can click, expect this team to be competitive throughout the season.

Source: Habs Fanatics
One big factor saved Patrik Laine's knee and limited him from longer absence