Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine shared that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare reached out to check on him after a knee-on-knee collision during Saturday night’s game.

The Canadiens faced the Maple Leafs in preseason action at the Bell Centre, where they experienced some setbacks. Less than a minute into the game, David Reinbacher left with a lower-body injury, and following surgery, it was announced he’d be out for five to six months. Later, in the first period, Laine collided awkwardly with Pare while skating into the Leafs’ zone. Laine went down in pain and had to be helped off the ice, ultimately sitting out for the rest of the game. Arber Xhekaj, a Canadiens defenseman, tried to retaliate for the hit and was given a game misconduct.

In the days following, Canadiens fans anxiously awaited news about Laine’s condition. Fortunately, the team announced that he wouldn’t require knee surgery, only a two-to-three-month recovery due to a sprain—a better outcome than expected.

Laine, who joined his team in Mont-Tremblant for team activities, spoke to reporters and appreciated Pare’s gesture of checking on him. He acknowledged that the collision was an unfortunate incident that he might have avoided.

“I don’t think anyone’s out to hurt anyone. Hockey’s fast, and I put myself in that spot trying to make a stop. It was an awkward hit, and he [Pare] texted me after, which I respect a lot,” Laine commented.

Pare’s message to Laine showed sportsmanship and mutual respect, something Laine won’t forget.

The Canadiens and Maple Leafs, without Laine, will meet again next Wednesday for their season openers at the Bell Centre.