Patrik Laine to make regular-season debut Tuesday with Canadiens after knee injury

Patrik Laine's long-awaited Montreal Canadiens regular-season debut, and first game in nearly a year, has arrived.

The Finnish winger is back from a knee injury as the Canadiens host the New York Islanders on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.

"It's been a long road with a lot of ups and maybe more downs so far, like the last couple years," Laine said. "Just excited and thankful to put on this jersey, and just being out there with the fellas, finally.

"It'll be awesome."

Laine, who has practised with the team for two weeks, took rushes on Montreal's second line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky during Tuesday's morning skate at the Bell Centre.

The Canadiens sent forward Joshua Roy down to minor-league affiliate Laval on Monday to pave the way for Laine's return.

"Couldn't really sleep. That was weird," Laine said. "Might have something to do with a little excitement today.

"I was kind of hoping I could start playing at home. I probably could have played last week, but just wanted to get some more practices in and make sure I'm ready to go — been watching too many games [from] upstairs now."

The former 44-goal scorer joined the Canadiens via trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, injecting energy into a playoff-deprived fan base.

A devastating knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare in pre-season play on Sept. 28 abruptly dampened that excitement. But after opting against surgery on his left knee sprain, Laine will suit up in a regular-season game for the first time in Montreal.

It's also his first game since breaking his clavicle as a member of the Blue Jackets on Dec. 14.

The 26-year-old entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Jan. 28 to prioritize his mental health and was