Here’s an intriguing development with the Canadiens and forward Patrik Laine.

As reported by multiple sources, and as just reported by journalist Renaud Lavoie on TVA Sports, forward Patrik Laine has not been spotted on the ice in Calgary, and the Canadiens refuse to disclose the reason.

It should be noted that the Habs announced in the last few minutes that Mike Matheson and Josh Anderson are absent from today’s practice to receive treatment, but there has still been no announcement (at the time of writing, at least) regarding Laine.

We knew that Matheson and Anderson would be absent, but in Laine’s case, this is much more unusual:

“No one wants to tell us why Laine isn’t there right now.”

– Renaud Lavoie

Patrik Laine is missing from the Montreal Canadiens’ practice in Calgary, raising questions

See the latest developments.

“Patrik Laine is absent from practice, and it’s very strange. Especially since the Habs are refusing to provide any explanation for now.”

– Luc Gélinas, RDS

“The Canadiens’ practice is starting in Calgary, and Patrik Laine is not on the ice.”

– Arpon Basu

We later learned from the Canadiens organization that Laine missed practice due to flu-like symptoms and not for trade-related reasons. However, the timing was bizarre.

Let’s just say they could have announced it a bit earlier to avoid this entirely predictable confusion, but oh well.

Let’s hope it doesn’t last as long this time..