Martin St-Louis: Patrik Laine’s injury hurts

Let’s talk about Patrik Laine, but from the point of view of the Canadiens’ coach.

In a press conference this morning, Martin St-Louis didn’t give a medical update on his forward, but he sounded like a guy who knew Laine wasn’t coming back tomorrow morning, obviously.

There will be tests at camp, then. The top-6 is bound to change. Whether it’s via the dismantling of the first line or not, we’ll see what the Flanelle pilot has in mind.

Doesn’t that sound like a few weeks … https://t.co/j8RAy9dxRf

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) September 30, 2024

But what about the human side of Laine’s injury?

The trainer thinks it’s a shame that Laine, who had found pleasure in coming to the arena, was stopped in his tracks. Making him happy to come to the arena was the Habs’ #1 challenge, in the coach’s eyes, and it had succeeded.

He also said he felt that the house he was building in Montreal was becoming more and more like home. The guys are making the Habs more of a home than a house, basically.

He refers to the family atmosphere that reigns in the organization, and he sees it even more so in the wake of Laine’s injury.

Martin St-Louis very loquacious in English when talking about Patrik Laine

“The whole group has done an exceptional job to make him feel at home here, and he feels good here. He’s excited to come to the arena in the morning. So for sure, it all hurts his injury a little bit more.” pic.twitter.com/TZ91KosEb4

– RDS (@RDSca) September 30, 2024

Note that the Habs didn’t announce anything this morning and should be fine by tomorrow. However, it’s clear that the club has a good idea of what’s going on: an announcement is no doubt imminent in his case.

And David Reinbacher’s, of course.

Overtime

– A good absence.

Vesey out for “a few weeks” with lower body issue, per Laviolette.

– Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) September 30, 2024