Laine is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 months with a left knee sprain but won't require surgery, the team announced Tuesday.
Given how bad Laine's injury initially looked, 2-3 months certainly feels like good news for the winger. Still, it's another injury-plagued season for the 26-year-old Finn after he was limited to just 18 outings with Columbus last year. When he was healthy, Laine offered top-end offensive output with six goals and three assists, including two power-play points. Without Laine in the lineup, Josh Anderson likely has the inside track on a top-six role. Look for Laine to be placed on long-term injured reserve when the season starts.