The Montreal Canadiens announced on Saturday that right winger Patrik Laine will miss three-to-four months following a surgery to repair a core muscle. This means Laine's status to represent Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics could be in jeopardy, with the games beginning on Feb. 6 and his return timeline ranging from late January to late February.

The seven-time 20-goal scorer last hit the ice on Oct. 16 in their game against the Nashville Predators and has been absent from the lineup since, listed day-to-day with a lower body injury. In five games this season, he had one assist. Last season, Laine had 33 points, including 20 goals and 13 assists.

This year was Laine's first chance to represent his home country in the Olympics, as the NHL is allowing players to participat

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