Patrik Laine Faces Former Team

In a pivotal moment for both Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens, the star forward is set to face his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, on Monday night. This marks Laine's first encounter with Columbus since he requested a trade, a move largely motivated by what he describes as a detrimental losing culture within the franchise.

Laine's Frustrations with Columbus

In a candid interview with The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, Laine expressed his frustrations: "They’re a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they’re at. It wasn’t really a fit for me anymore. But here in Montreal, it doesn’t matter if we're winning or losing; we’re always trying our best. That’s what I felt about it in Columbus."

A Disappointing Tenure in Columbus

Laine’s journey to Columbus began when he was traded from the Winnipeg Jets during the chaotic 2020-21 season. Regrettably, his tenure with the Blue Jackets was marred by disappointment, as the team never finished better than sixth in their division. "I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year. I was tired of losing and just giving up when it’s December to start focusing on next year. I’m not going to do that. That’s frustrating as a player when you’re trying to win and some people are simply not on the same page," he acknowledged.

Injuries and Mental Health Challenges

The forward's struggles weren’t limited to team performance alone. Laine faced a number of injuries and even sought assistance through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to address his mental health challenges last season. Reflecting on his time in Columbus, he mentioned, "I had some ups and downs. I don’t want to get into that too much, but there were aspects that could have been handled better. Some things were great, some were not so great."

A New Beginning in Montreal

Since his summer transfer to the Canadiens, Laine has found new life in Montreal, despite a knee injury that delayed his season start. The 26-year-old has made an impressive contribution, scoring eight goals in just nine games—all on the power play. His electrifying performance has helped the Canadiens achieve a 6-3-0 record since his debut.

A Critical Moment in Laine’s Career

As Laine prepares to face the Blue Jackets, a victory would elevate Montreal past Columbus in the Eastern Conference standings, securing the 13th position. This matchup not only represents Laine's personal journey but symbolizes a critical moment in both the player’s career and the future of the Canadiens as they aim to break free from a cycle of underachievement. The excitement is palpable, and Laine's new era in Montreal could spell a brighter future—one where "winning" isn't just a dream.