Patrik Laine may not have played in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2024, but he remains a must for the 4 Nations Showdown in February, according to the general manager of Finland.
The trade that brought the prolific forward to Montreal was meant to serve as a fresh start after a campaign marred by injuries and a visit to the NHL’s player assistance program. But unfortunately, he was injured in his second preseason match with the Canadian.
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Thus, Laine has not played in the regular season since December 14, 2023. And as of September 28, the duration of his absence should have been two to three months.
“It’s such a shame for him, obviously, with the way last season went. It would have been good to see him play the full season in Montreal. Hoping he comes back soon. Everyone wants to see him,” Finnish GM Jere Lehtinen admitted to the NHL website.
A roll of the dice?
The former Dallas Stars player has some decisions to make soon. Even though the tournament won’t take place until the end of February in Montreal and Boston and Laine might not be ready, he must confirm his roster in early December.
“Time flies. I wouldn’t say there’s pressure, but we know it’s coming quickly. In a month we have to choose the team. It’s a bit of pressure all the same, but it’s good and fun pressure,” admitted Lehtinen.
Since part of the event will take place at the Bell Centre, Finland could be tempted to draw from the CH. Laine and his teammate Joel Armia are regulars in the lineup.
“We have good players. But at the same time, when you look at other countries and their possibilities, it’s scary, Lehtinen admitted. As a team, we think about what we’ve done in the past, and we have a chance. On paper, we have great players. But the others have a little more and they have big names.”
Among the Finnish stars expected to be seen at the 4 Nations Showdown are Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho and Roope Hintz, among others.
