Canadiens' Patrik Laine Makes Bold Statement to Doubters

The Montreal Canadiens took a huge step forward in 2024/25, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite all of the doubts around them, and with a bright young core, the future is incredibly exciting for Habs fans.

While hopes and expectations for their young core are high, this is a team also full of veterans that are capable of putting up big campaigns, with none more so than former Jets and Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine.

Last season, the former No. 2 overall pick was hampered by a pre-season injury that cut his preparations for the season short, and when he did take the ice, he was highly inconsistent despite scoring 20 goals in 53 games.

Now, he's taken aim at those who have doubted him and continue to doubt him ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, where he hopes to be fully healthy and have a full pre-season of preparation with his team.

Just three times in Laine's career has he played in 70 or more games, and in those three years he's combined for 110 goals, so while he's struggled to stay on the ice, if he can do that next season, he's got a role in Montreal that will allow him to thrive.

At 27-years of age, Laine has over 500 games and 200 goals under his belt in the NHL, so while last season didn't finish the way he wanted, with full preparation and full health going into the new season, there's no reason why he can't thrive and show everyone just how good he can be.