What is the future of Patrik Laine with the Canadian?
We know that at the moment, Laine is very appreciated by fans and by those who gravitate around the Canadian. His ability to energize the power play alone is worth the ticket to the Bell Center.
But just because he’s good at five-on-four doesn’t mean he’s essential.
He hasn’t been here for a week. And we can’t say that the Canadian has slowed down. – Alain Crête
Attention: the veteran member of the media, who said this this morning on BPM Sports, is not saying that he is completely useless. But he says that with equal strength, he is not the most visible of men.
Obviously, he has just returned to the game and he will surely get back on track… but Alain Crête is right since even Laine has said it several times since his return to the game.
The reflection is interesting, but it is still early to talk about that since Laine cannot sign a contract extension before July 1, 2025. He will be a free agent, if nothing changes, on July 1, 2026, that is to say in 18 months.
It’s too early to know what kind of contract he’ll earn in a year and a half. But if he asks too much for the Canadian, it is possible that he leaves. A bit like with Jake Evans, we imagine that Kent Hughes will have his price in mind without really wanting to exceed it.
It will also depend on how the CEO sees the future. If it is said that Cole Caufield can return to his position on the power play, that Ivan Demidov will be a machine and that Juraj Slafkovsky is a big piece, perhaps letting Laine go would be easier.
It will obviously depend on the numbers that will be in place on the wing in a year and a half and on Laine’s state of mind at the time.
If this is what the CH decides, it may not be an easy decision to make. But without saying that his future lies elsewhere, I agree that we should not assume too quickly that Laine, who is on his third team in the NHL, is certainly here to stay.
And if he leaves, we will see if he will criticize the CH as he did with the Blue Jackets and the Jets.
In burst
– Speaking of a former Jets and Blue Jackets player.
– Well done.
– To be monitored.
