Patrik Laine, a Finnish player for the Montreal Canadiens, has been sidelined since mid-October due to surgery for a core muscle injury, and his return to the ice has been highly anticipated. However, his hopes of returning to practice were dashed when the Canadiens announced late Tuesday via social media that Laine is now sidelined with a lower-body injury. This setback also prevented him from participating in the Olympic hockey tournament, which further adds to the disappointment surrounding his situation.

Laine's recovery has become a point of contention among Canadiens fans, many of whom are growing increasingly impatient with the delays. In comments on the team's social media update, fans expressed frustration and called for the organization to consider trading him. The sentiment reflects a growing concern about Laine's future with the team, particularly with his injury woes persisting and leading to doubts about his performance and availability moving forward.

The Canadiens need to manage Laine's injury cautiously, as monitoring his condition daily will be crucial for any potential return. Given the high expectations when he joined the team, coupled with the current disappointment, the organization's decision on how to proceed with Laine will likely have significant implications for both his career and the team's dynamics in the upcoming games.