So much of the Canadiens' optimism this season was based on Laine's ability to be a game-changer. Now, he might be gone.

Patrik Laine left the preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs with an apparent leg injury Saturday. The Canadiens announced he would not return. The forward was injured in a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto forward Cedric Pare at 3:49 of the first period at Bell Centre in Montreal.

How Patrik Laine’s devastating injury threatens the Canadiens’ plans to be in the mix for a playoff spot is anybody’s guess, but you have to think their chances of achieving that goal will be severely hindered by any long-term absence for Laine.

Montreal Canadiens’ forward Patrik Laine left Saturday’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a lower-body injury. The team would confirm via social media that Laine would not return to the game.

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine has left Saturday’s preseason contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs with an injury. It was tough to watch the hit on the play, but it didn’t look good for the Habs forward.