If this was his baptism by fire, Patrik Laine quickly discovered what life will be like living in Montreal and playing for the Canadiens.
Laine, the newest Canadien, was the first player made available Monday morning prior to the team’s annual golf tournament at Laval-sur-le-Lac. As he arrived at the podium and gazed at the phalanx of cameras and media, he quickly realized he’s no longer in Columbus.
“A lot of people. A lot of cameras,” said the 26-year-old native of Tampere, Finland. Laine was acquired last month from the Blue Jackets, along with a 2026 second-round draft choice, for defenceman Jordan Harris.
While on the surface the trade appears to be a steal for the Canadiens, especially should the 6-foot-5, 215-pound winger regain his scoring touch, Laine arrives in Montreal with some baggage.
Despite playing in a relatively small market, where the Blue Jackets pale in comparison to college football’s Ohio State Buckeyes, Laine entered the NHL’s player assistance program last January, one month after fracturing his clavicle. He played only 18 games, scoring six goals and nine points.
The trade from Columbus means Laine will be closely scrutinized by a demanding public. And considering he becomes the Canadiens’ highest-paid active player, earning US$8.7 million (Carey Price will earn $10.5 million on LTIR), the expectations placed on him will be magnified.
Laine appears undaunted, nut he has yet to play a game for his new club.
“I know fans obviously are expecting a lot of great things,” he said. “So am I from myself. I have to stay patient. I haven’t played in a little while, that’s the biggest thing. I have to give myself time to get back at it and stay patient.
“It’s not a secret that the last couple of years have been a little tough,” Laine admitted. “It’s great to get this new opportunity. That’s something I was hoping for. I feel like they’re building something special here. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
If Laine can handle the pressure, he’ll undoubtedly fill an offensive void on a team that averaged 2.83 goals per game last season, ranking the Canadiens 26th in the league. Laine scored a career-high 44 goals with Winnipeg — at least he has played in a Canadian market — during the 2017-18 season. That came after he produced 36 goals the year before as an 18-year-old rookie. And while he scored 30 goals with the Jets during his third season, Laine hasn’t scored more than 28 since.
On the other hand, he’s joining a team that had only one 30-goal scorer last season — Nick Suzuki, with 33. Cole Caufield came close, with 28.
Canadiens management did its due diligence before completing the trade for Laine, speaking to the player and those who know him well, after Columbus general manager Don Waddell granted Habs GM Kent Hughes permission to contact Laine.
On Monday, Hughes said Laine won’t be expected to be the team’s saviour, while executive vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton said the risk was well worth taking. Laine is expected to play on Montreal’s second line, with Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.
“What excites me the most is the package (Laine) has and what he has done,” head coach Martin St. Louis said. “That’s exciting. You’re not going to get that back without him being excited about playing. I don’t have anything (about him) that really scares me. We have to get going here and see how it all fits. He has to try and get acclimated with his teammates and the city. But I’m excited.”
It was no coincidence Laine, riding shotgun, arrived with teammate and fellow Finn Joel Armia on Monday. The two were also former teammates in Winnipeg. And while Laine is loath to answer hypothetical questions, he understands what he’s about to face.
“We’ll deal with (outside distraction) if it happens,” he said. “I’m just trying to help the team win as much as I can and do my part, whether it’s scoring or doing something else. Do my job.
“I’ll just embrace it,” Laine vowed. “I think it’s great. People here care. If you lose, they’re going to be pissed off. That’s only because they care and want the team to win. I don’t mind it. If there’s reason for (demands) I’ll take it. We’ll try to get off to a hot start as a team — and me as well.
“I’m going to be demanding and always wanting to be the best. But it’s just a game. You can’t be too hard on yourself. If you have a bad game, don’t dwell on it. There’s always another day, another opportunity to get better.”