Patrik Laine's stint with the Montreal Canadiens may not have ended the way either side envisioned, and now the forward is ready for the next chapter.
Laine was limited to just five games this season after suffering a core muscle injury that eventually required surgery. The 28-year-old was determined to work his way back to full health.
Unfortunately, despite getting medically cleared to play, he never returned to game action.
Instead, Laine spent the final stretch watching from the sidelines as Montreal pushed toward a playoff berth.
“I kind of figured early on that I probably wasn’t even going to be playing since I had been out for four, five months,” Laine told reporters during the Canadiens' locker cleanout on Monday. “Guys are battling for a playoff spot, and all the guys were playing great. I figured I probably won’t be playing, but I’ll take this time to support the guys and work hard.
“If the call comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, still keep working. It’s only going to help me in the future when you work hard every day. That’s kind of how I saw it this year.”
Montreal originally acquired Laine in an off-season trade back on Aug. 19, 2024. His first season with the Canadiens saw him score 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games while only dressing for two games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering an assist.
With Laine not seen as a part of the Canadiens' picture, he confirmed that he was never personally asked to waive his no-trade clause at this year's deadline.
“That’s why I have agents, so I just basically work here,” Laine said. “I don’t take part in those conversations, so I don’t really know what was going on with that stuff, but I don’t think I was ever asked personally, no.”
Now that the Canadiens season is over following their loss in the Eastern Conference Final to the Carolina Hurricanes, the team will be looking to make adjustments.
For Laine, his four-year, $34.8-million contract is set to expire this off-season, and now his mindset will shift to the next chapter of his career.
“I’m just excited where the wind takes me next year,” Laine said. “But I’m excited to see new opportunities and see where it goes. I’m not too worried about it right now. Just right now, take a little breather and relax, and then get back at it.”
