Patrik Laine, the Finnish sniper known for his lethal shot and goal-scoring prowess, is gearing up for a fresh start with the Montreal Canadiens this season. The dynamic winger was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris, along with a second-round pick, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world.
Laine burst onto the scene in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets, where he lit up the league with 44 goals in just his second season back in 2017-18. Now, as he embarks on this new chapter with the Canadiens, Laine has made it clear that he is hungry to recapture that form and push himself even further.
“I don’t want to come back as a 30-goal-scorer. I want to come back as a 40, 50-goal-scorer,” Laine boldly stated. “I’ve done that previously and it’s not by accident. But it’s not just all about that. I want to come in and do whatever it takes to contribute to the team and help the team win, whether it’s me scoring 50 or scoring 20, as long as the team wins. I’m getting to that age, I’m not 19 years old anymore. I just want to win.”
Despite facing some challenges in recent seasons, including a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and a clavicle fracture, Laine has continued to showcase his scoring touch. With two consecutive 20-goal campaigns in Columbus, the 26-year-old winger is determined to prove himself once again and make a significant impact on his new team.
Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is excited about the potential Laine brings to the team, emphasizing the importance of his overall contribution rather than just goal-scoring numbers.
“To me, this isn’t a transaction that either he scores 40 or 50 goals or it’s a bust, far from it,” Hughes explained. “Whether you score 20 goals or 40 goals, your success here is not going to be defined strictly by goals. It’s going to be defined by your ability to help contribute to this team and help us.”
Signed for two more seasons at a cap hit of $8.7 million, Laine’s arrival in Montreal marks a pivotal moment in his career. The former second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft has now been traded twice, with this latest move placing him in a position to make a lasting impact on a team looking to take a step forward in its rebuilding process.
As Laine sets his sights on the upcoming season, he is determined to show the hockey world why he is considered one of the most talented goal-scorers in the game. With a new team, a fresh start, and a hunger for success, the stage is set for Patrik Laine to make his mark and elevate his game to new heights.
