Button’s critique of the preseason structure isn’t just about Laine’s injury; it’s a broader commentary on how the NHL needs to adapt to protect its players
As the league looks for ways to enhance player safety and maintain the quality of play, reducing the length of the preseason or rethinking how teams utilize their rosters could be a step in the right direction.
The Canadiens and their fans will be hoping that Laine makes a speedy recovery and that the team can weather the storm until his return. For now, the focus will be on making the best of a difficult situation and finding ways to win without one of their star players.
Cedric Paré’s knee-on-knee hit on Patrik Laine has become a defining moment in the Montreal Canadiens’ preseason, sparking discussions that go beyond the game itself.
From Georges Laraque’s commentary on the unwritten code to Arber Xhekaj’s enforcement of that code, the incident has highlighted the complex dynamics of accountability and safety in hockey.
As the NHL looks to address these concerns, the hope is that incidents like this will become less frequent, allowing the sport to retain its physical nature without compromising the well-being of its players.
For now, all eyes are on Paré and the Canadiens as they navigate the aftermath of this controversial play and its potential repercussions for the future.
Also Read: Patrik Laine’s Fashion Statement at Habs Game Faces Backlash Over Expensive Trousers
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Cedric Pare: Craig Button Criticizes the Length of the NHL Preseason
In a recent episode of the Donnie & Dhali podcast, NHL insider Craig Button shared his concerns about the extended duration of the preseason and how it affects player safety.1
His commentary was sparked by Montreal Canadiens’ newly acquired winger, Patrik Laine, who suffered a significant injury during a preseason matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Laine’s injury, a left knee sprain, will keep him sidelined for up to three months, significantly impacting the Canadiens’ lineup as they enter the new season.
A Call to Reevaluate Preseason Format
Button was vocal about the need for the NHL to reevaluate the structure and length of its preseason. He argued that the current format increases the risk of injuries, particularly to star players who are crucial to their teams’ success.
This injury risk, according to Button, is a problem that extends beyond just the teams; it affects the league’s overall product and competitiveness.
“The length of the preseason is too much,” Button stated emphatically. “You want to have three young guys go out against their three young guys. Let’s minimize the involvement of our key players in these games, so we’re not losing them before the season even starts.”
Button suggested that NHL teams should be more strategic about how they use their rosters during the preseason. By reserving top players for specific games or minimizing their ice time, teams could potentially avoid the catastrophic injuries that derail their plans for the regular season.
His remarks underscore a growing sentiment among analysts and fans that the preseason should focus on evaluating young talent and conditioning rather than featuring full-fledged matchups with key roster players.
The Impact of Injuries on Playoff Chances
In his analysis, Button highlighted how losing key players to injury before the season even begins can drastically alter a team’s playoff hopes.
The margin for error in the NHL is incredibly slim, and missing a top-line forward or a star defenseman for an extended period can spell disaster for teams aiming for postseason contention.
“Game one matters now in the regular season,” Button explained. “And when you lose good players prior to that, it hurts your team. It hurts your chances of competing for the playoffs.
And I think that it needs a real examination of what is necessary with respect to getting the players ready for the regular season.”
Button’s remarks reflect a reality that NHL teams face: injuries can cripple a season before it even begins. Laine’s injury is a prime example.
With the Canadiens looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022-23 season, the loss of a player of Laine’s caliber for a significant portion of the season could hinder their ability to compete in the highly competitive Atlantic Division.
Patrik Laine’s Journey and Potential Impact on the Canadiens
- Patrik Laine, acquired by the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets in August, was expected to play a pivotal role for his new team.2
- Known for his lethal shot and scoring ability, Laine was brought in to bolster Montreal’s offensive depth and provide a consistent goal-scoring threat.
- Unfortunately, his injury during the preseason not only delays his debut with the Canadiens but also disrupts the team’s plans to integrate him into their system.
- Laine’s career has been marked by impressive offensive production. A former Calder Trophy finalist, he has amassed 204 goals and 184 assists in 480 NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets, averaging 0.81 points per game.
- Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, Laine has remained one of the league’s top goal scorers when healthy.
- His presence on the ice demands attention from opposing defenses and creates opportunities for his linemates.
- The Canadiens, who have struggled to find consistent offensive production outside of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, were hopeful that Laine could provide another scoring option and alleviate pressure on their young stars.
- His injury, however, leaves a significant void in the lineup and forces the team to look elsewhere for offensive contributions as they start the season.
The Role of Preseason Games: Necessary or Overdone?
The debate over the necessity and structure of the NHL preseason has been ongoing for years. Preseason games serve multiple purposes: giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate young talent, allowing veterans to regain their game shape, and providing fans with a glimpse of the team’s potential for the upcoming season.
However, the current format, which can include up to eight games for some teams, has faced criticism for being too lengthy and increasing the risk of injuries.
Button’s suggestion to limit the exposure of key players during these games isn’t new, but it does bring renewed attention to the issue. In the NFL, for example, teams often rest their starters for most, if not all, of the preseason, focusing instead on evaluating backups and new signings. The NHL, Button argues, should consider a similar approach.
“Maybe it’s time to rethink how we approach these games,” Button said. “We need to find a balance between getting players ready and protecting them from unnecessary risks.”
Also Read: Patrik Laine’s Fiancée Jordan Leigh Expresses Elation Over Canadiens Trade
Cedric Pare: Absence on Montreal’s Lineup
The Canadiens will undoubtedly feel the impact of Laine’s absence as they begin the regular season. Head coach Martin St. Louis will have to adjust his lineup and potentially shift younger players into larger roles.3
While players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook have shown flashes of potential, they will need to elevate their play in Laine’s absence.
In addition to the offensive impact, Laine’s injury also affects the team’s power play. Known for his ability to score from the left circle, Laine was expected to be a focal point of Montreal’s power play strategy. Without him, the Canadiens will need to find other ways to generate scoring chances with the man advantage.
Revisiting the Trade: Laine’s Value to the Canadiens
When the Canadiens acquired Laine, it was seen as a significant move that signaled their intent to become more competitive.
Laine, who was selected second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, has always been viewed as a player with game-changing potential. His addition to Montreal’s roster was meant to accelerate their rebuild and provide an immediate offensive boost.
Now, with Laine set to miss a significant chunk of the season, questions arise about how the team will manage without him. The Canadiens have some depth at forward, but replacing Laine’s goal-scoring prowess won’t be easy.
The team’s success will largely depend on how well they can adapt and whether other players can step up in his absence.
How Will the Canadiens Respond?
The Canadiens are no strangers to adversity, having dealt with numerous injuries to key players over the past few seasons.
While Laine’s injury is a significant setback, the team will need to focus on the positives and continue to build chemistry among the healthy players.
This situation also presents an opportunity for younger players to prove themselves and earn more prominent roles.
It will be interesting to see how the Canadiens approach the early part of the season without Laine. If they can stay competitive and keep pace with the rest of the division, they will be in a good position when Laine eventually returns to the lineup.
However, if they struggle, it could put additional pressure on the coaching staff and management to make changes.
Cedric Paré: Controversial Knee-on-Knee Hit
A Critical Moment in the Montreal Canadiens Preseason
The Montreal Canadiens’ preseason has been marked by several contentious moments, but none as polarizing as Cedric Paré’s knee-on-knee hit on Patrik Laine.
This incident, occurring during a seemingly routine game, has ignited a firestorm of discussions among fans, players, and analysts alike, bringing the topic of player safety and accountability in hockey to the forefront.
Patrik Laine, a star forward known for his goal-scoring prowess, became the unintended victim of a risky play that could have resulted in serious injury.
Knee-on-knee collisions are widely regarded as one of the most dangerous and reckless moves in hockey, often leading to long-term damage for players. The severity of Paré’s hit on Laine has led to questions about intent, punishment, and the overarching standards of conduct within the NHL.
Potential Consequences for Paré: A Demotion to the AHL?
The incident has also brought up discussions about the potential repercussions for Cedric Paré.
With the NHL’s increased focus on player safety, it’s likely that Paré could face supplementary discipline, including suspension or fines.
However, given his status as a fringe player trying to secure a permanent spot in the NHL, there’s speculation that his actions may lead to an even more significant consequence—a demotion to the American Hockey League (AHL).
Being sent down to the AHL would serve as a stark reminder that the NHL has little tolerance for reckless behavior, particularly from players who are not yet established in the league.
For Paré, this would be a setback in his career trajectory, as making a mark in the AHL does not carry the same prestige or exposure as playing in the NHL. It would also signal to other players that there are tangible consequences for endangering others on the ice.
Also Read: Patrik Laine Bio, Age, Career, Personal Life And More
