Blue Jackets winger Patrik 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 not return to the game.
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 Gaudrea. Laine skated with Gaudreau and Boone Jenner to begin the game.
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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?
Laine was ruled out of Wednesday’s contest with an upper-body injury. It appeared that his right arm that was injured.
He received X-rays on his arm. The results are not yet known.
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.
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