Canadiens' Patrik Laine Breaks Silence Following Trade

New Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is setting high expectations for himself as he begins his new chapter in Canada.

Fresh off a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Finnish sniper made it clear he’s ready to shine in one of hockey’s most intense markets in his eyes.

“I don’t want to come back as a 30-goal-scorer,” Laine told Tracey Myers of NHL.com on August 20 . “I want to come back as a 40-, 50-(goal-scorer). I’ve done that previously, and it’s not by accident.”

Laine, who spent much of last season dealing with mental health challenges leading to a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, said he’s in a much better place now than he was for most of the 2023-24 campaign.

“I’m happier than ever off the ice,” Laine said. “I’ve done a lot of work on myself to get me back to this point where I’m actually super excited about playing.”

As for the pressure that comes with playing in Montreal, one of hockey's biggest markets, Laine isn’t fazed.

“I’ve always liked being in the spotlight on the ice, and I feel like when there’s a lot of pressure, I’ve usually always been at my best. I’m (welcoming) the challenge with open arms,” Laine said.

Laine, in fact, praised Montreal's market and sounded excited about his new team and the market it plays in.

“It’s the biggest hockey market there is… I miss being back there, where hockey is the No. 1 thing,” Laine said after spending time in the NHL and Canada playing for the Winnipeg Jets earlier in his career.

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