The Montreal Canadiens have a lot of talent on their roster. From newly acquired Noah Dobson to captain Nick Suzuki to Calder-favorite Ivan Demidov, the team is filled with young, skilled players.
Almost one year ago to the day, Patrik Laine was acquired by the Canadiens. Laine has had a rough few years in the NHL. In a recent interview, he revealed what he’s been able to do “more than normal” this summer.
What Canadiens’ Patrik Laine’s Been Doing “More than Normal” This Summer
In an interview with Ville Touru of Helsingin Sanomat, Laine discussed many different topics. The biggest one was his health status, which has made this summer much different than other summers in recent memory.
“I’ve been able to train well and, above all, be healthy for the first time in a long time,” Laine revealed to Touru. “It’s been a big thing now that I haven’t had to struggle with minor injuries or other challenges. Since the beginning of July, I’ve been on the ice almost every day.”
“Definitely more than normal.”
Last summer, Laine spent a healthy chunk of the offseason recovering from surgery. Entering this summer without that hindrance has put him in a much better spot.
Laine revealed just how much time he had for training last summer.
“Last summer, I probably trained for three weeks before the season,” Laine revealed. “I had shoulder surgery and was out for maybe a month and a half. Now I’ve been able to train fully since May.”
“It’s a slightly different starting point for the season, as you don’t have to start while recovering.”
Laine said that he’s been on the ice every day since the beginning of July. If that’s the case, he’s already completed seven weeks of on-ice training. Laine has already trained more on the ice than all of the on-ice and off-ice training he performed last summer.
In a 52-game campaign with the Canadiens last year, Laine recorded 20 goals and 33 points. The 6-foot-4, 208 lb winger was initially drafted 2nd overall in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets. He was traded to the Canadiens in August 2024 by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Canadiens’ Laine Can’t Escape Trade Rumors
In an illuminating part of the interview, Laine addressed trade rumors.
“It seems to me that it doesn’t matter whether I have six years left on my contract or a UFA season, there are still transfer (trade) rumors,” Laine said. He then talked about his mentality for the upcoming season, “But let’s go have fun. That’s where the successes come from, when you do the work and the team wins.”
With a glaring need for a second-line center, of course, Laine’s name would pop up in trade rumors. He is entering the final year of a contract that’s paying him $8.7 million. That money could be used to acquire another top center to push the Canadiens into the playoffs again this year.
Laine recognizes that he’s in a unique position with the 2026-27 offseason, where he will be a UFA for the first time in his career.
“It’s a little different from what I’m used to,” Laine said. “Before, I’ve always just gone to whoever owns my rights. Next summer, I get to decide for myself. It’s a nice and great situation.”
Does this mean that he will leave Montreal next year? The opportunity to play for a team that wants him is appealing. If he has a great season with the Canadiens, there is no reason to think that Montreal wouldn’t consider offering an extension.
For now, Canadiens’ fans can be excited for the new season, eager to see what Laine can do with a full season of training and a clean bill of health.
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