Cannot Catch A Break

Everything was looking good for the Montreal Canadiens as they started the season. They had their star players under contract and willing to put in the effort to win games, they had a revamped blueline with all sorts of talents on it, and their goaltending was solid while being underrated. Head coach Martin St. Louis even smiled a few times during the preseason, but, all jokes aside, it seemed like the Canadiens had all their weapons armed and ready to go as they hunted down a playoff spot this season. Everything seemed to be going well, that is, until their high-priced sniper found himself suffering with pain back on October 17, prompting the Canadiens to put him on the shelf with a "day-to-day" ailment.

It turns out that day-to-day situation the Canadiens had with Patrik Laine is actually closer to "see you in February" after he "underwent core-muscle surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital" in Manhatten, New York.

The news comes today as Laine will now be "sidelined for 12-16 weeks after appearing in just five games, earning only one point, registering only six shots on net, and accumulating a minus-three rating". All summer, Laine was in Montreal working on his game, spending time in the gym, and skating multiple times per week. This injury now comes one month after Martin St. Louis said of his sniper, "With the amount of work he's put in this summer, we might see the best version of Patty Laine" which clearly was premature.

At some point, you have to think that Patrik Laine catches a break. Every time it seems like he's closer to being 100% healthy and focused on hockey, he ends up with an injury that keeps him out for an extended period of time. Lots of players have had their careers affected by injuries, of course, but for a goal scorer of Laine's pedigree, this isn't going to help him, the Canadiens, or his negotiations with any other team if he hits free agency this summer.

At 27 years old, Laine could have a lot of hockey left in his somewhat-fragile body if he can figure out how to remain healthy. There's no guarantee that those future seasons will be in the Montreal bleu-blanc-et-rouge, but it will likely be in the NHL at a reduced salary compared to the $9.1 million he's earning this season. That being said, if he can find a situation where he can remain healthy, he could end up being a very cost-conscious goal scorer for a team.

For now, there are 12-16 weeks of time for Laine to get as healthy as he can so he can come back and be a player for the Canadiens. Adding a player of Laine's potential is like making a trade deadline acquisition in February, so he has the opportunity to be a big addition to the lineup when he returns if he can hit his stride. He had 20 goals in 52 games last season, and the Canadiens will want that kind of production offensively and a much more focused Laine on the defensive side of the puck when he's cleared to play games again.

Of course, Roman philosopher Seneca is quoted as saying, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity", and being physically prepared for playing in the NHL would certainly help Laine find a little luck. He'll certainly get opportunities to show he's an elite player, but the recent battles with injuries require some extra attention paid to the preparation part. Luck will follow.

It's here, however, where I'll post the words of Douglas MacArthur: "The best luck of all is the luck you make for yourself."

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!