The Exact Date of Patrik Laine's Return to Play Is Now Reportedly Known

It's quite rare to see something like this, but let's remember that Laine has missed his team's last three games due to the flu.

This has raised some concern about his health, but over the past few hours, TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie shared some reassuring comments.

According to what TVA Sports journalist mentioned on BPM Sports, we should expect Laine to return to play this Friday.

Renaud even added that we can expect Laine to be back practicing with his teammates in the coming hours, possibly even as early as today (the Canadiens had a day off yesterday).

Laine's return to play on Friday would allow Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens to send Michael Pezzetta back to the press box.

In three games filling in for Laine, Pezzetta logged 3 minutes 58 seconds, 4 minutes 32 seconds, and 5 minutes 49 seconds of ice time.

Let's just say that's very little.

In total, he finished those three games with 0 points, a +/- rating of 0, and three shots on goal.

Patrik Laine's return will certainly come at a perfect time, as the team has been performing exceptionally well lately and the Canadiens are right in the thick of the NHL playoff race.

Adding Laine will undoubtedly provide a significant boost, most likely starting this Friday against the Washington Capitals.

More details to come.

Laine, 26 years old, standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 208 pounds, has accumulated 10 points in 13 games this season with the Canadiens, including 8 goals.