3 replacements for Patrik Laine if injured long-term

The Patrik Laine injury on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the most disappointing moment of the Montreal Canadiens' season. It was a gruesome-looking knee injury, but the severity is still unknown. It came an inopportune time for the Canadiens' newest forward, as he was rediscovering his love for the game and looked like he was on his way to regaining his 40-goal form.

The injury could destroy the Canadiens' hopes of competing this season. It leaves a gaping hole on the second line, much like Kirby Dach's knee injury in last season's second game. It seems like the injury problems will never end for the Canadiens, and the question now is if Montreal is better equipped to deal with an injury to a top-six forward. Let's check out three possible internal replacements if Laine has to miss significant time.

Joshua Roy

The big question about the second line before Laine's injury was whether Joshua Roy could steal Alex Newhook's spot and push him down to the third line. Roy may now grab a place on the second line without it being a detriment to Newhook's ice time. Roy looks more ready than last season and should be a better help in this trio than in 2023-24 when he made it to the NHL and tried to replace Kirby Dach. Roy isn't Laine, but he could turn into one of the better middle-six forwards and fill a need while Laine recovers.

Owen Beck

Owen Beck was part of the re-assignments to the Laval Rocket roster, who starts training camp on Monday. Beck had a good camp with Montreal, but the emergence of Oliver Kapanen and Roy proving he should stay created the opportunity for Beck to get more development in the AHL. It's surprising that the Canadiens sent him down right after the Leafs game, as they could've held on to him while they waited for the results on Laine. However, that decision makes it seem like they're set on Beck starting in Laval, regardless.