Canadiens winger Patrik Laine is out for 2-3 months with a knee sprain

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is expected to be sidelined for two to three months with a sprained left knee that will not require surgery.

The Canadiens announced a health update Tuesday after Laine left the game early in Saturday’s 2-1 preseason loss to Toronto after colliding with his knee with Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare.

Although Laine escaped the worst, the Canadiens announced earlier Tuesday that starting defenseman David Reinbacher would be sidelined for five to six months after surgery on his left knee.

Laine fell to the ice moments after Reinbacher – the No. 5 pick in last year’s draft – fell awkwardly after being hit by Toronto’s Marshall Rifai.

Laine joined the Canadiens via trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19, sparking excitement among fans deprived of playoff hockey for the past three seasons.

The 26-year-old sharpshooter from Finland scored 44 career goals as a sophomore with the Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18 and was excited about a fresh start in Montreal after a challenging year with the Blue Jackets.

Laine had six goals and three assists in 18 games before breaking his collarbone on December 14. He also sought help from the NHL’s player assistance program in January for his mental health and was cleared to play in July.

Reinbacher will likely start the season with the Laval Rocket, the Montreal affiliate of the American Hockey League.

The 19-year-old from Austria spent the last two seasons in the Swiss Kloten HC.

He also recorded two goals and three assists in 11 games for Laval at the end of last season.