Finally, here is a clarification that arrives like a late unwrapped Christmas present.
Patrik Laine, the target of a real trap during the match against Columbus, is finally back in training with the Canadian.
And not just to skate in circles like an extra, no. A regular attendee, no less.
As if the media storm and the doubts surrounding his state of health were only a carefully orchestrated play.
The Canadian, a master in the art of letting unnecessary mysteries hover, had therefore decided to play hide and seek with the truth during the holiday break.
But now there is no need to speculate. Laine is standing, in one piece, ready to pick up where he was cut off.
This revelation puts an end to several days of manufactured suspense. The rumor that Laine had suffered a serious shoulder injury — the same one that underwent surgery — turned out to be as solid as a wet sheet of paper.
All this for what? Protecting Laine from a rabid pack of Blue Jackets players who seemed to have turned this game into a personal punishment mission.
And there, a question emerges: who made the decision to remove Laine from the game? Was it the organization that wanted to avoid unnecessary carnage?
Or Laine himself, realizing that it was better to live to fight another day than to end up in tatters on the ice?
Regardless of who took the initiative, the message is clear: the Canadian has decided to prioritize his precious asset rather than satisfying those who love fights and vendettas.
And let’s be honest, it’s probably the right decision. Why risk losing Laine for weeks or months in a match with no major consequences for the season?
Yes, it may seem like an act of cowardice to some, but you have to see the forest behind the tree. This kind of precaution is what makes the difference between an organization that thinks long term and one that burns and hopes it works.
But let’s not be naive: this strategy is also a statement of intent.
The Canadian does not want to be seen as a team that sacrifices its talents for outdated principles. The physical replica?
Very little for them. We protect our players, period. The Blue Jackets can continue to play cowboys, but Montreal prefers to rely on brains rather than fists.
Laine, for his part, handled this situation like a pro.
No public complaints, no drama. He returned to the ice, focused, as if nothing had happened. This is perhaps his greatest victory.
He could have fallen into the trap of responding to provocations or playing the victim. Instead, he let his silence speak for him. And frankly, that’s to his credit.
That said, this case raises an interesting question. How far is the Canadiens willing to go to protect their star players?
By choosing to remove Laine from the game, the organization showed that it is not afraid to make unpopular decisions.
But at what cost? Could this kind of choice create tension in the locker room or send the wrong message to other teams?
For now, it’s too early to tell. What is certain is that Laine is ready to turn the page and move forward. But what about the Blue Jackets?
Their behavior during this game was not only pathetic, but also indicative of an archaic mentality that no longer has a place in the modern NHL. If their goal was to scare Laine, they failed.
This saga, although now closed, will be remembered as an example of how the Canadian manages its business.
Pragmatic, thoughtful, perhaps a little too cautious for some, but effective. Laine is healthy, ready to continue to shine. And Montreal, despite the criticism, has shown that it is ready to do what it takes to protect its future.
So, to everyone who was hoping for a dramatic ending or an explosive reveal, sorry to disappoint.
The truth is sometimes much simpler: Patrik Laine was not broken, neither physically nor mentally. He is still there, ready to write the rest of his story.
And frankly, that’s probably the best possible conclusion.
Amen
