The Montreal Canadiens are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst when it comes to Patrik Laine’s knee injury. In a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Laine was helped off the ice after taking a knee-on-knee collision from Cedric Pare.

While recording his podcast on Sunday evening, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that, while the Canadiens are trying to remain hopeful, the team is indeed preparing for the worst when it comes to Laine's seemingly devastating knee injury.

Saturday morning, I set an alarm on my phone. Monday, September 30, 7:00 a.m.: write about David Reinbacher. It was ten hours before the young Austrian had to leave the game against the Leafs on one leg.