Laine skates with Habs for first time since injury

BROSSARD, Quebec — The

Laine was injured after a collision with Cedric Pare during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 28. He opted not to undergo surgery.

The Canadiens announced Oct. 1 that he would be sidelined for two to three months. He resumed skating on his own Nov. 6. At this point, he’s expected to make his official debut in a Canadiens uniform sometime in December.

The 26-year-old Finn hasn’t played in the NHL since Dec. 14 as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was sidelined because of a fractured clavicle and later entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to focus on his mental health.

Laine probably will need some time to get back into game rhythm.

“Will it take one game? Two weeks? I don’t know, we’ll see,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said.

The Canadiens are riding a two-game winning streak and next play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at the Bell Centre.