Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse for Patrik Laine, another devastating blow has struck the Montreal Canadiens forward. The news of his sports hernia surgery, which carries a grim three-to-four-month recovery timeline, was already a crushing setback for a player banking on a redemption season.

But the true heartbreak of his situation extends far beyond the games he will miss in a Canadiens uniform. In a cruel twist of fate, this injury has all but extinguished a lifelong dream.

For months, Laine has spoken with immense pride about his selection to Finland’s preliminary roster for the upcoming Olympic Games. It was set to be a crowning achievement in his career, a chance to represent his country on the world’s biggest stage. Now, that dream is in tatters.

The recovery timeline makes his participation in the February tournament virtually impossible, a soul-crushing reality for a player who has already endured so much. This isn’t just about missing games; it’s about losing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And as observers point out, the implications of this long-term absence could jeopardize not only his Olympic hopes but his entire future in Montreal.

Oct 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Patrik Laine (92) skates during the warmup before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The excellent Priyanta Emrith has shed light on another piece of bad news received by Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine.

As you already know, in recent days, the Habs announced that Laine will unfortunately have to miss 3 to 4 months after undergoing surgery due to a sports hernia.

That said, not only is it obviously very bad news for Laine to learn that he’ll have to miss so many games with his team, but there’s something even worse…

Patrik Laine will have to give up on his Olympic dream

What a sad turn of events… He was so proud when he was informed that he had been selected for the preliminary roster to represent his country (Finland) at the upcoming Olympic Games!

Today, unless a small miracle happens, he’ll have to say “goodbye” to the Olympics… which is no small thing, let’s be honest!

It’s incredible how unlucky his career has been.

“Can’t help but feel for Patrik Laine who was approaching this year as a redemption season.

The timeline for his recovery will likely mean Laine will miss out on representing Finland at the Olympics in February as well.”

– Priyanta Emrith

The “good news,” under the circumstances, is that despite all these setbacks, Laine seems to be in a good state of mind:

Despite this optimistic outlook, some truly believe that this could be the end for Laine in Montreal:

“Patrik Laine’s future with Montreal is now in jeopardy after undergoing surgery that will keep him out 12-16 weeks.”

– Sportsnet

“Patrik Laine may have played his last game with the Canadiens.”

– DansLesCoulisses

We sincerely wish him a full recovery and hope he returns as soon as possible.