The preseason schedule should be shortened, and here's why

The Montreal Canadiens suffered two significant blows against the Toronto Maple Leafs; first David Reinbacher, then Patrik Laine - both to knee injuries.

Laine's injury, not that it is more of a loss, comes after he dealt with personal issues, which led him to a stint with the National Hockey League's player's assistance program. It was not an easy time for Laine, and he fell in love with the game again and found passion around the rink. He was ready to take the next step and be a huge part of the Canadiens' success going forward.

The team took him under their wings and welcomed him as their own, more excited, perhaps than he was for him to get the season going. So the injury in the preseason, before the games even matter is a big loss. It's especially frustrating that it was a player who is trying to make a name for himself, essentially going out of his way to throw hits and get in his coach's good graces.

Losing Reinbacher, stings for sure, he is in the part of his career where getting ice time and reps is so important for his development. It's frustrating that he was injured, off of a pretty standard hit that happens many many times each game. But Laine, it was a kneeing instance that has no place in the game.

Of course, the importance of preseason hockey for players is very high, some more than others, however. Legitimate NHL talents, who are almost certain that they will play in the league, shouldn't be playing against guys who might fill out bottom roles in the American Hockey League. Sadly, the preseason schedule, towards the end serves an importance for guys trying to make a name, and they do as they can to earn their roles, which comes at the expense of NHL players.

Shorten the schedule, or make a change

Shortening the schedule could be a great way to prevent these kinds of things from happening. With a shorter schedule, the odds of NHL players lining up against players with inferior abilities decrease significantly. I'm not suggesting that every player gets chances taken away from them, but lining up against AHL players, for guys who have a future in the NHL, can be a tricky scenario if they have to watch for dirty plays.

If the solution isn't shortening the preseason schedule, then certainly making a change to who plays and when could be a solution. For example, if there are guys who are very unlikely to be playing in the NHL, lining them up against the same level of competition could be a good idea. This takes away from the AHL players because they want to prove they belong, but it most importantly prevents needless injuries from happening.

If the goal is to protect the players, then decisions that are tough will need to be made. It won't be one that is taken lightly, but ensuring that players aren't targeted could be all the reason to do so. Freak plays happen, but plays that are needless and go unpenalized create more issues in the game or future matchups.

Laine was counting on a big year, where he gets back to playing to his capabilities, and that was taken away from him. No penalty, hearing or suspension was handed out. Arber Xhekaj had to do the officials job, and who knows where it spirals next.