Patrik Laine, a new addition to the Montreal Canadiens lineup, had no issue stepping in at practice after teammate David Savard put Michael Pezzetta into the boards
NHL training camps aren’t even officially started yet, and already things got spicy between Montreal Canadiens teammates on the ice today. It was trade pickup and new addition to the Habs’ lineup Patrik Laine who stepped in to make sure things didn’t escalate.
Less than 30 days have passed since the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens. Laine had requested the trade, believing he needed a new beginning in a another location following an injury-plagued season and a stay in the NHL Players Assistance program. Being a leader on the ice appears to be part of Patrik Laine’s willingness to do “whatever it takes” to contribute to the Montreal Canadiens, as he stated after the trade.
During a Montreal Canadiens’ informal practice, veteran defenceman David Savard drove teammate Michael Pezzetta into the boards hard behind the net. Savard knew he had crossed a line right away, and was checking on Pezzetta to make sure he was ok. That’s when Laine stepped in and grabbed Savard to make sure things didn’t escalate, and to perhaps let him know the hit was awful.
The Montreal Canadiens took a very modest risk when they acquired Patrik Laine. Laine’s current contract, which has a $8.7 million annual cap hit, has two years left on it. While the squad reassembles to see if Laine can return to even somewhat of his prior form, Montreal has the room and time to do so.
Patrik Laine said he’s looking forward to playing in Montreal, and added he loves the spotlight. He’s going to get it there for sure, whether he succeeds in regaining his form or not. Montreal Canadiens players’ have to deal constant media scrutiny, which includes things happening both on an off the ice.
