Analyst Believes It's Over for Patrik Laine With the Canadiens, and His Replacement Is Already Identified

Having warmed the bench during Game 2 of the series against the Washington Capitals, the Finnish forward did not participate in the next two games, and it was Ivan Demidov who took his place on the first power-play unit to finish the series.

Moreover, as we reported earlier this week, the recent arrival of the young prodigy Demidov could spell the end for Patrik Laine with the Montreal Canadiens.

At least that's the opinion of Alain Crête, who made this statement during a recent segment on BPM Sports.

Wow!

The veteran journalist believes that the Patrik Laine experiment has gone on long enough and that it's time to move on.

Acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the end of last August in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris, the 29-year-old forward still has one year remaining on his contract for the 2025-2026 season. However, if Kent Hughes intends to move him via trade, he'll need to find a team capable of absorbing his $8.7 million salary.

And you, what's your opinion on this?

Do you believe Patrik Laine has played his last game in a Canadiens uniform?

At 27 years old, Laine recorded 33 points in 52 games this season, with a negative plus-minus of -14. He also added one assist in two playoff games.

Kent Hughes will certainly have an important decision to make regarding this matter.