Patrik Laine’s 2024-25 season with the Montreal Canadiens ended early after a core muscle injury sidelined him following Oct. 16, and he did not return to game action before the end of the campaign. The 28-year-old winger, who had surgery for the injury, played only five games for Montreal and recorded one assist. He also sat out the Stanley Cup Playoffs, even as he remained around the team and continued practicing later in the season. Laine said he was medically cleared to return, but Montreal’s playoff push and strong play from the roster made it difficult for him to re-enter the lineup. The Canadiens advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
Laine becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1, adding uncertainty to his future after an injury-shortened stint in Montreal. While he did not get back into the lineup, Laine said he tried to use the months away from games to stay engaged, support teammates and keep working toward his next opportunity. He described the experience as difficult but said he believed the work he put in would help him later.
The Finnish forward, selected second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Draft, has built a long resume across three NHL teams. In 537 career games with Winnipeg, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal, Laine has produced 422 points, including 224 goals and 198 assists. His best goal-scoring season came in 2017-18 with Winnipeg, when he scored a career-high 44 goals in his second NHL season.
Montreal general manager Kent Hughes praised Laine’s professionalism despite the setback, saying the winger fell far behind because he had not been playing when the team needed to win games down the stretch. Hughes said Laine handled the situation well, showing up for practice and team events and being an excellent teammate throughout the year. Hughes added that he would not hesitate to give Laine a strong reference.
Laine said he was not surprised by the decision to keep him out late in the season, given the timing of his recovery and the team’s playoff race. Still, he said he remained focused on the future and was eager to see what comes next in his career.
