Latest analyst comments raise doubts about Patrik Laine's future with the Canadiens
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Earlier today on BPM Sports, the excellent Stéphane Gonzalez made quite a statement regarding Patrik Laine.
Things are heating up once again around Patrik Laine in Montreal, as his return to play appears to be approaching quickly.
On BPM Sports, Stéphane Gonzalez believes that it is unfortunately over for the forward with the Canadiens. This isn't the first time this idea has been floated, but this time, it sounds more definitive.
On his end, Georges Laraque sees the other side of the coin. He says that Laine has the talent to play on the first line with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. He also adds that Laine could become one of the Canadiens' best players if he gave 100%.
It's a heavy statement, because it speaks as much about potential as it does about expectations.
It's over for Patrik Laine with the Montreal Canadiens, according to Gonzo
The numbers give a concrete angle to the discussion. Last season in Montreal, Laine played 52 games and produced 33 points. He scored 20 goals and added 13 assists, a total that still shows his natural scoring touch.
This season, he has played 5 games and has just 1 point, an assist, so patience is already wearing thin. In his NHL career, he has 537 games under his belt and 422 points. That includes 224 goals and 198 assists, which explains why his name still carries weight.
When a player has already produced at that level, opinions inevitably become polarized. There are those who want to turn the page, and those who think it can turn around quickly.
Here's what they had to say about Laine:
"For me, unfortunately, it's over, Patrik Laine." - Gonzo
"Do you know what's crazy in Patrik Laine's case, for example? It's that when you watch him skate, he could be the leader of the Habs. Yeah. That guy could be the one playing with Suzuki and Caufield and form the Canadiens' best line." - Laraque
"You've got a guy who's what, 6'4", 6'5"? He's an elite shooter, a first-line player, Patrik Laine. What did we hear at the start of the year? There was talk of 40 goals. Not because the fans are out of touch, but because we know he has the talent to do it. But he's a guy who drags his feet." - Gonzo
"I don't know what would have to happen for that Patrik Laine to come back. Does the fact that the Canadiens are in a playoff spot right now, and that now he knows it's his last chance-do you think people like us, who can sense their chance, look at him and say, 'Oh my God, they're going to give him a second chance'?" - Laraque
"It's not a second chance, it's a fourth."- Gonzo
- Stéphane Gonzalez and Georges Laraque, BPM Sports
"Do you know what's crazy in Patrik Laine's case, for example? It's that when you watch him skate, he could be the leader of the Habs. Yeah. That guy could be the one playing with Suzuki and Caufield and form the Canadiens' best line." - Laraque
"You've got a guy who's what, 6'4", 6'5"? He's an elite shooter, a first-line player, Patrik Laine. What did we hear at the start of the year? There was talk of 40 goals. Not because the fans are out of touch, but because we know he has the talent to do it. But he's a guy who drags his feet." - Gonzo
"I don't know what would have to happen for that Patrik Laine to come back. Does the fact that the Canadiens are in a playoff spot right now, and that now he knows it's his last chance-do you think people like us, who can sense their chance, look at him and say, 'Oh my God, they're going to give him a second chance'?" - Laraque
"It's not a second chance, it's a fourth."- Gonzo
- Stéphane Gonzalez and Georges Laraque, BPM Sports
Timing is also important, because the Canadiens are moving forward with their project. In Montreal, when young players are taking up more and more space, a veteran either has to keep up or become a question mark.
In the end, Gonzalez talks about an ending that is approaching, while Laraque talks about a very high ceiling. Between the two, there is only one truth that doesn't lie.
Laine will have to respond with points and consistent effort, otherwise we know what comes next.
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