Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine is back, as the team announced on Wednesday that their forward was activated off the injured reserve.
Laine left the team's season opener against the Hurricanes on Wednesday with what was termed an upper-body injury. Columbus announced that he would be be placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss three-to-four weeks.
The Finn appeared to injure his right arm when he collided with Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce while on the forecheck in the second period. He was seen in pain on the bench before he went down the tunnel.
Laine opened the scoring 11 seconds into the second period, sending a wicked wrister past Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen. He ended his opening night with a goal, two shots, a blocked shot and a hit in 7:49 time on ice.
How 'bout a Laine laser to kick off the season? 😳 #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/O80yR2NAfq
— NHL (@NHL) October 13, 2022
The injury marks a tough start to the season for a player many fans were excited to see skate alongside newcomer Johnny Gaudreau. Laine skated with Gaudreau and Boone Jenner to begin the game.
"Yeah, I mean, it [stinks]," Gaudreau said after the game. "You never want someone to get hurt, but you're on a new team, you're building chemistry with your linemates, you think you had a good camp and then you're not playing together the middle of the second period. Hopefully it's nothing too serious, but I thought we were playing well and then the game kind of slipped away from us."
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The 24-year-old Laine is in his third season with the Blue Jackets. He's coming off a season where he recorded 26 goals and 56 points in 56 games. He signed a four-year, $34.8 million contract this offseason to stay in Columbus.
What is Patrik Laine's injury?
The team is ruling it an elbow sprain that Laine suffered. He received x-rays on Wednesday, but an official announcement was made the following day.
How did Patrik Laine get injured?
Laine's injury appears to stem from a collision with Pesce while he was forechecking. Laine got his arm stuck between the boards and Pesce's hip.
A replay of what happened with Laine pic.twitter.com/W6EIfw9pBv
— CBJ Center (@CBJcenter) October 13, 2022
It was an awkward, unfortunate play for Laine, who missed more than 20 games last season with an oblique strain.
How long is Patrik Laine out for?
Laine is now back in the lineup after he was taken off the injured reserve list on Wednesday.
It is ahead of schedule, as he was expected to miss over another week from the initial diagnosis.
