The Montreal Canadiens are set to undergo a transformation in the upcoming season with the addition of winger Patrik Laine to their roster.
Laine, 26, was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, along with a second-round draft pick, in exchange for defenceman Jordan Harris. The 6-foot-5 winger brings with him a track record as a former 40-goal scorer, a new element that has the Canadiens buzzing with excitement as they prepare to welcome him with open arms.
“His résumé speaks for itself and he’s been a really good player in the league,” Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki shared with TSN690 on Thursday. “He’s a big piece and he’s been a really good goal scorer for a long time and it’s exactly what we needed.”
However, Laine has faced challenges in recent seasons with injuries while playing for the Blue Jackets. He only appeared in 18 games last season and has not played in more than 56 games since the 2020 campaign with the Winnipeg Jets. Last season, Laine broke his clavicle on Dec. 14 and experienced a setback in his recovery a month later. He later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to prioritize his mental health, seeking a fresh start.
Hailing from Tampere, Finland, Laine emerged from the program on July 26 and expressed his desire for a trade from the Blue Jackets. His decision to prioritize mental health highlights a shift in discussions within the NHL regarding the importance of mental wellness.
Suzuki, speaking from the Nick Suzuki – Heroes Golf Tournament, an event he hosts to raise funds for training and care for service dogs for individuals with mental health needs, emphasized the evolving conversation around mental health within the hockey community.
“Mental health is something we’re talking about more and more,” Suzuki noted. “It’s not easy, but events like this remind us to have those conversations, connect with people, and make a difference for ourselves and others.”
