Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine told reporters Thursday that he doesn’t blame Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare for a hit that led to a knee injury.
Pare collided with Laine on a knee-on-knee hit during Saturday’s preseason game. Laine left the game immediately after clutching his knee and he will miss 2-3 months with a knee injury that doesn’t require surgery. The 26-year-old also said it was his decision to avoid surgery. He was using crutches Thursday as his knee heals.
“I don’t think anybody’s trying to hurt anybody,” Laine said. “Hockey’s a fast game and kind of put myself in that situation a little bit trying to make a stop. It’s just an unfortunate collision and he texted me afterwards, which I give him respect for that.”
Pare apologized to Laine and told reporters Saturday that he had no intent to injure the Canadiens’ forward.
“It’s a fast game, it wasn’t my intention. It’s just unfortunate,” Pare said. “I hope he’s fine. It wasn’t my intention. I didn’t mean to do that.”
Here is a video of Pare’s collision with Laine:
Patrik Laine is forced to leave the game with a knee injury after colliding with Cedric Pare. pic.twitter.com/3rAOIRrfrQ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 28, 2024
Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj charged at Pare in retaliation and threw a flurry of punches, earning 27 penalty minutes and a game misconduct, as Pare did not engage. Xhekaj was fined $3,385 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the NHL Department of Player Safety, the maximum allowable amount under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Thursday that the Maple Leafs deactivated Pare’s social media accounts due to the abuse he’s faced since Saturday’s game.
Laine was acquired by the Canadiens in an August trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets and he’s actively looking forward to taking on a major role with his new club.
Pare is in the lineup for Toronto’s preseason game Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings.
Toronto opens its regular season against Montreal on October 9 at the Bell Centre.
