PK Subban calls out Cedric Pare for injuring Patrik Laine: "Where is the respect for NHL superstars?"
Photo credit: The Children's Foundation on Facebook
After his egregious move that left Montreal Canadiens forward Patikl Laine injured, PK Subban has called out Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare for his seeming lack of respect.
There are few players that NHL fans have been for a comeback more than former Winnipeg Jets star Patrik Laine. As any hockey fan who has not been under a rock over the last several months knows, the 26-year-old struggled with personal and physical issues in his last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, leaving him in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program until being cleared to leave over the summer. After clarifying his hopes for a fresh start and sharing his vigorous training routine, Patrik Laine finally got his wish to be traded to a new team and landed a spot on the Montreal Canadiens roster.
However, a horrific scene involving the player has many fans worrying that his return to the ice will be short-lived. During a recent preseason game between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, Toronto forward Cedric Pare seemed to lunge knee-to-knee with Patrik Laine, causing the Montreal forward's leg to bend the wrong way, and forcing him off the ice for the remainder of the game. According to the latest accounts, Patrik Laine could be out for a considerable time.
To the surprise of no one, most NHL fans were inconsolably enraged by this occurrence, calling the move out for its dirtiness. Among the most vocal of Cedric Pare's recent critics is former NHLer PK Subban. In a recent social media post, the ESPN analyst called out the move as irresponsible and blatantly disrespectful.
"What the hell was that last night? On the penalty kill, stepping up, trying to make a hit, you stick your knee out on a superstar? Irresponsible. I don't like it. This wasn't a battle in the corner. This is open ice, penalty kill, preseason folks.
Patrik Laine deserves a lot more respect than he was treated last night, and that should have never happened."
Patrik Laine deserves a lot more respect than he was treated last night, and that should have never happened."
Whether or not you generally like PK Subban's on-air personality or league analyses, it is hard to argue that Cedric Pare's choice to stick his knee out was nothing more than a gross, unprofessional play. The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has since wished well for Patrik Laine in his recovery, also adding he had no intention of causing any injuries. Even if true, it does not change the fact that his irresponsible move has caused serious damage to both the player and the team. Hopefully, the Montreal Canadiens can keep their heads up high heading into the regular season while more details of Patrik Laine's status are released.
