Montreal Canadiens

Laine’s Return to Canadiens Presents a Unique Opportunity

Last night, Patrick Laine made his Montreal Canadiens’ debut. Why does his return matters so much to the Canadiens team?

by
Old Prof
December 4, 2024

After a long and frustrating absence, Patrik Laine made his much-anticipated return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup on December 3, 2024, following a knee injury that sidelined him for the first 24 games of the season. The Canadiens won the game with a score of 2-1, and Laine scored.

But the game wasn’t just about Laine finding his place in the lineup—it was about proving he could still be the game-changer the Canadiens desperately needed.

Laine’s Quick Return and Immediate Impact

In his first game back against the Islanders, Laine didn’t waste any time making his presence felt. He scored a power-play goal, showcasing the scoring touch that made him one of the NHL’s most potent snipers in his prime. Laine’s goal, fired from the faceoff circle past elite goaltender Ilya Sorokin, reminded him of his lethal ability in high-pressure moments.

In just 17:27 of ice time, he contributed two hits, two shots on net, and even a blocked shot. Is this evidence of a more well-rounded game developing over the years?

Laine’s Road to Recovery Has Been Rocky

Laine’s journey back to the NHL hasn’t been an easy one. After a limited 2023-24 campaign where he played just 18 regular-season games due to injury, his absence was deeply felt by a Canadiens team already struggling offensively. The Canadiens’ early-season scoring woes made Laine’s absence all the more painful. The team struggled to find a consistent offensive spark.

The decision to bring him back was slow and considered. Laine wasn’t rushed into action but eased in after gradually recovering. He went from non-contact status to participating fully in practice by late November, setting the stage for his return. By December, he was fit enough to travel with the team. That signaled the Canadiens were confident enough to slot him back into the lineup.

The Canadiens were anxious but patient. Still, in the end, they had no choice but to lean on their star forward, whose scoring prowess could transform their stagnant offense.

Why Laine’s Return Could Matter Big Time for the Habs

The Canadiens desperately needed a player who could score consistently, and Laine was precisely that player. While the Canadiens have talents like Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky, Laine’s combination of size, skill, and elite shot-making ability gives Montreal a much-needed weapon. He could matter on the power play and in the top six. His presence doesn’t just add another scoring option; it shifts the dynamics of Montreal’s offensive unit. With him, the Canadiens are more dangerous on the power play and potentially more effective in 5-on-5 situations.

But here’s the real question: Can Laine stay healthy enough to deliver the impact the Canadiens need? The team hopes it can rely on him to stay on the ice and play at a level that can consistently change games. If he stays healthy and regains his form, Laine could be the X-factor that propels Montreal from mediocrity to contender. He’s the kind of player who will bring criticism but excite Canadiens fans who have been waiting for a breakthrough for years.

The Huge Question: Is a Turning Point for Laine?

So far, the sample size is small. However, this season, Laine’s return could be one of the NHL’s feel-good stories. It could also be a defining moment in his career and the Canadiens’ season.

Laine now finds himself at a crossroads. Will he be the offensive powerhouse Montreal envisioned when they acquired him, or will injuries again derail his potential? If Laine can string together an entire season of health, the Canadiens may finally see the player they traded for, one who can complement their young stars and lead them back to relevance in the Eastern Conference.

For Laine, this season could be his opportunity to silence doubters and show that he’s more than just a power-play weapon—he can be the true catalyst for a Canadiens offense waiting for someone to take charge. The clock is ticking, and for both Laine and Montreal, the next few months could determine the future of their partnership.