The Montreal Canadiens’ rebuilding process has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the past few seasons. Amidst the development of young talent, strategic trades, and a clear focus on long-term success, the Canadiens’ front office has made moves that could shape the team’s future for years to come. Among the most interesting of these moves is the acquisition of Finnish forward Patrik Laine. Once considered one of the brightest young stars in the NHL, Laine’s passion for the game had waned in recent years, but the move to Montreal could be the spark he needs to rekindle that love—and ultimately help propel the Canadiens’ rebuild forward.
Laine, a 25-year-old sniper known for his lethal shot and offensive prowess, was once viewed as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, Laine quickly emerged as one of the league’s top goal-scorers, showcasing a cannon of a wrist shot and an ability to score from almost anywhere on the ice. However, his relationship with the game became strained during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where inconsistent play and an apparent lack of joy for the game raised questions about his future. But now, in Montreal, Laine has the chance to rediscover what made him love the game in the first place, and the Canadiens could be the perfect team to help him do that.
A Fresh Start: The Canadiens’ Need for Laine’s Skill
Montreal is a team on the rise, and Laine’s arrival provides the Canadiens with an opportunity to strengthen their forward group. The Canadiens are in the midst of a full-fledged rebuild, with a focus on developing younger players, building through the draft, and acquiring key assets that will help them compete for championships in the future. With the likes of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Kaiden Guhle taking on important roles, the Canadiens are setting the stage for sustained success.
Laine’s acquisition can be seen as a piece of the puzzle. He brings a high level of skill, experience, and offensive upside to a Canadiens team that needs scoring depth. Since his days in Winnipeg, Laine has been known for his goal-scoring ability—particularly his one-timer, which remains one of the most feared shots in the NHL. This could be exactly what the Canadiens need to complement their emerging stars. With Caufield, Suzuki, and Laine on the same team, the Canadiens now have a trio of gifted players who can drive the offense and make a real impact on the scoreboard.
But Laine’s importance goes beyond just filling a scoring need. As a player with several years of experience, Laine brings a level of maturity and leadership that will be invaluable to the younger Canadiens players. His presence on the team can provide guidance and mentorship, helping the Canadiens’ up-and-coming stars navigate the challenges of the NHL.
Rekindling the Passion: Laine’s Motivation
One of the most intriguing aspects of Laine’s move to Montreal is the chance to reignite his passion for the game. In Columbus, Laine’s relationship with head coach John Tortorella was often a point of contention. Tortorella’s demanding coaching style and Laine’s laid-back approach to the game didn’t always mesh, leading to frustrations on both sides. Laine’s time in Columbus was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also by stretches of inconsistency and struggles with his confidence.
However, a fresh start in Montreal presents Laine with a new environment, one where he can focus on enjoying the game again. Canadiens’ head coach Martin St. Louis, known for his positive and player-friendly approach, could be the perfect coach to help Laine rediscover his love for hockey. St. Louis has been instrumental in the development of players like Suzuki and Caufield, focusing on a free-flowing system that encourages creativity and offensive expression. This system could be exactly what Laine needs to get back to his old form and become the player he once was.
Additionally, the city of Montreal itself offers a unique atmosphere. The Canadiens’ fanbase is known for being passionate, but also deeply supportive of their players. The opportunity to play in such a rich hockey culture could be the perfect place for Laine to find his love for the game once again. The expectation in Montreal is high, but so is the support for those who perform. Laine can thrive in an environment where fans and teammates alike want to see him succeed.
What Laine Brings to the Table: A Proven Goal-Scorer
When evaluating Laine’s potential impact on the Canadiens’ rebuild, it’s important to take a closer look at what he brings to the table on the ice. Laine is an elite goal-scorer, plain and simple. Over the course of his career, he has scored 30 or more goals in five seasons, with his best year coming in 2017-2018 when he notched 44 goals. His combination of size, speed, and an unparalleled wrist shot make him a constant threat on the power play and at even strength.
The Canadiens have lacked a true, consistent goal-scorer in recent seasons. While players like Caufield have shown flashes of brilliance, having Laine on the roster would give Montreal a legitimate sniper to complement their younger stars. Whether it’s setting up on the power play for a one-timer or finding space in the offensive zone, Laine can fill a key role in the Canadiens’ offense. The team is built on speed and skill, and Laine’s shooting ability would fit perfectly into this model.
Moreover, Laine’s skillset can help ease the pressure on the younger players on the team. Having a proven goal-scorer like Laine on the roster gives players like Caufield and Suzuki more room to develop without the weight of being expected to carry the offense on their own. The Canadiens’ rebuild is all about growth, and Laine’s presence allows other players to focus on their strengths while he contributes his share of goals.
Laine and the Future of the Canadiens
The potential upside of Laine for the Canadiens goes beyond just the immediate future. With a contract that runs through the 2024-2025 season, Laine has the opportunity to play an important role in the team’s long-term plans. His presence on the ice will help accelerate the development of the team’s younger players, but his leadership off the ice can be just as important.
Laine’s experience in both Winnipeg and Columbus gives him the perspective needed to help the Canadiens’ younger players mature into NHL regulars. While his passion for the game may have waned in recent years, a move to Montreal could spark a resurgence not only in Laine’s play but in his leadership ability. The Canadiens’ rebuild is about more than just talent acquisition—it’s about developing a winning culture, and Laine can play a key role in fostering that environment.
As Laine gets acclimated to his new team, the Canadiens will continue to build around their young core, and Laine’s contributions will be vital to that process. Whether it’s scoring goals, providing leadership, or helping develop a winning mentality, Laine can help propel the Canadiens forward as they look to return to contention in the years ahead.
Conclusion
With the rekindling of his love for the game, Patrik Laine has the potential to be a key piece in the Canadiens’ rebuild. His goal-scoring ability, leadership, and experience will add tremendous value to a team that is building for the future. Under the guidance of Martin St. Louis and within the rich hockey culture of Montreal, Laine has the opportunity to rediscover his passion for the game and contribute to the next great era of Canadiens hockey. The Canadiens’ rebuild has a bright future ahead, and with Laine leading the charge, that future just got a little brighter.