Patrik Laine ignited the Bell Centre last night with his first goal of the season, prompting a thunderous reaction from the fans that was nothing short of perfect.
Post-game, Laine modestly claimed he didn’t deserve the raucous cheers or the standing ovation. Welcome to Montreal, Patrik!
Support for Laine is strong, especially considering the challenges he faced in the past. HFTV even composed a song for him, which had been silent for three months until his goal sparked it back to life.
Laine clearly appreciated the affection from the crowd, creating a memorable moment. When fans are behind you, it’s much easier to perform well on the ice, and Laine definitely has the support of the Canadiens’ followers.
Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre (BPM Sports) suggests that Laine might consider a discounted contract extension if he enjoys his time in Montreal and the love from the fans continues. It’s an intriguing thought: after facing struggles in Winnipeg and Columbus, Laine could be willing to stay for less if he’s happy here.
Currently, Laine has an annual salary of $8.7 million, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, giving Kent Hughes ample time to assess him before making any decisions.
If Laine reaches his potential, scores consistently, and remains healthy, the prospect of extending his contract will be appealing for the Canadiens. Hughes is always seeking ways to enhance the team, and a fit Laine would be a valuable asset on the ice. If Laine stays, along with newcomers like Demidov and potential stars like Michael Hage, the Canadiens could have a formidable offensive lineup:
Slafkovsky – Suzuki – Caufield
Laine – Dach – Demidov
Newhook – Hage – ?
That’s a significant amount of talent, with plenty of variables in play for the future. However, keeping Laine in Montreal, if conditions allow, would certainly help address a pressing need in the Canadiens’ roster.
