Columbus forward Patrik Laine reportedly spotted at Montreal Airport
Photo credit: Bally Sports Ohio Great Lakes on YouTube
After a period of inactivity regarding the player's NHL future, rumors about Patrik Laine's potential trade to the Canadiens reignited after he was reportedly spotted at Montreal Airport
Not every NHLer can pull off a 50+ point season, but in only 8 years with the NHL. Patrik Laine, however, has 6 seasons to hit this barrier, including one where he recorded 70 with the Winnipeg Jets. However, following a scoring slump last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Laine made the shocking decision to take a break from the league for his mental health. After only 18 games in the regular season, the 26-year-old forward entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assitance Program.
"Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assitance Program, the Blue Jackets, NHL and NHLPA announced today.
He will be unavailable for an indefinite period while he receives care. Under the terms of the joint NHL/NHLPA program, he will return to the club when cleared for on-ice competition by program administrators."
He will be unavailable for an indefinite period while he receives care. Under the terms of the joint NHL/NHLPA program, he will return to the club when cleared for on-ice competition by program administrators."
Yet since re-entering the league last month, fans have grown concerned that Laine will not return to Columbus for the upcoming NHL season. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell was expected to make big waves by trading the player away as part of a much-needed retooling effort.
"🗞️ Back from the Player Assistance Program, it's rumoured #CBJ PATRIK LAINE & his 2 x $8.7M contract could be dealt.
Laine's output has fluctuated *wildly* for 8 years. But somehow he's still only 26 & has always been a world-class finisher.
Which team should roll the dice? 🎲"
Laine's output has fluctuated *wildly* for 8 years. But somehow he's still only 26 & has always been a world-class finisher.
Which team should roll the dice? 🎲"
However, after Montreal Gazette contributor Stu Cowan made an appearance on the latest edition of The Sick Podcast with Tony Mariano, one team in particular has moved to the top of the list for acquiring Laine. According to Cowan, the player was recently spotted at the Montreal Airport, giving rise to the idea that the Habs could be his next home in the NHL.
"He was at the airport in Montreal. There's probably a few connecting flights that go through Montreal also or flights out of Montreal that go through and would the Canadians have interest in Laine?
I mean I think they have interest in any but forwards who can score, but I think we spoke about this in a previous podcast I think there's some red flags with Laine similar to those of Pierre-Luc Dubois that make you wonder [...]
Is there a possibility that he could come here? YES! The Canadiens need players who can score, and Laine can do that. But I'm not sure if he would fit well in the team's chemistry in the locker room. We saw the example with Dubois in Los Angeles. We'll see, but he was seen at the Montreal airport."
I mean I think they have interest in any but forwards who can score, but I think we spoke about this in a previous podcast I think there's some red flags with Laine similar to those of Pierre-Luc Dubois that make you wonder [...]
Is there a possibility that he could come here? YES! The Canadiens need players who can score, and Laine can do that. But I'm not sure if he would fit well in the team's chemistry in the locker room. We saw the example with Dubois in Los Angeles. We'll see, but he was seen at the Montreal airport."
It is clear that the Canadiens need more star forwards in their lineup after some weak performances over the last few seasons. Despite the issues that led to his time in the Player Assitance Program, Patrik Laine could be one of those players. With an appearance in Montreal, it seems more likely he is at least considering the team as his next NHL home.
Source: Habs Fanatics
Patrik Laine was seen at the Montreal airport, claims journalist Stu Cowan
Patrik Laine was seen at the Montreal airport, claims journalist Stu Cowan
| POLL | ||
3 AOUT | 75 ANSWERS Columbus forward Patrik Laine reportedly spotted at Montreal Airport Will Patrik Laine have another 70+point season in the NHL? | ||
| Yes, soon | 31 | 41.3 % |
| Yes, later | 20 | 26.7 % |
| No | 24 | 32 % |
| List of polls | ||
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