Official verdict on Patrik Laine: we know why nothing has been announced yet
Tuesday morning, we received the official verdict on David Reinbacher's injury and recovery, but we are still awaiting the one for Patrik Laine.
Indeed, both players sustained serious knee injuries just minutes apart during Saturday's game. David Reinbacher underwent surgery, but Patrik Laine is still waiting for answers.
According to the excellent Anthony Marcotte, it's quite clear that the reason is that Patrik Laine has requested a second opinion, and he is doing well to do so.
- Anthony Marcotte
From what I understand, there is likely ambiguity about the exact nature of the injury, and surgery might possibly be avoided. This may seem like good news, but it could also be a double-edged sword.
Remember Carey Price, who did not have knee surgery after his violent collision with Chris Kreider in 2014. He came back strong and played the best season of his career the following year.
However, his knee was seriously deteriorating to the point where he had to undergo surgery for a meniscus injury, and it was during this surgery that it was discovered he had no cartilage left on his femur. It was this exact injury that ended his career.
Carey Price will be haunted by his knee for the rest of his life. I wish that on no one.
If surgery is truly avoidable, but the risks of ending up like Carey Price are real, isn't it better to miss a little more hockey and go through with the surgery?
All of this is hypothetical, but we can understand why the verdict is taking so long to render. As Anthony Marcotte mentions, it could well be the swelling that prevents doctors from having an informed opinion on the exact injury.
Let's hope we get details soon so that the rumors can stop, and the organization isn't once again criticized for a lack of transparency.
