Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury and will miss three-to-four months, the team announced Saturday.
Laine suited up in only five games this season before suffering the ailment. The club initially considered him day-to-day. The 27-year-old has managed one assist while averaging 12:36 per contest.
Injuries have played a major role in Laine's career in recent years. He played in only 181 out of a possible 328 games over the last four seasons.