Olympic decision made on Patrik Laine as Team Finland finalizes roster

It is confirmed. He was left off Finland's roster ahead of the 2026 Olympic Games.

On Friday, Finland unveiled its Olympic lineup for February, and Laine's name was not on it.

For Montreal Canadiens fans, this is a disappointment, especially when you see Joel Armia and Oliver Kapanen included in the selected group.

In Laine's case, the explanation lines up with his complicated season. The Canadiens announced on October 25 that he would miss three to four months following surgery. This year, he has played only five games, with just one assist.

Laine is 27 years old and carries a significant amount of pressure with his current contract. He counts for $8.7 million per season against the cap, and his deal runs through the end of the 2025-26 season.

In practical terms, that means every step toward a return to play is closely scrutinized, and every opportunity to prove his value matters immensely.

That's where the Olympic snub can become fuel (and a disappointment). Finland also lost a major piece with the absence of Aleksander Barkov, one of Laine's closest friends, so the final roster already had a bitter taste.

For Laine, being left out takes away something of a dream, but it also adds a clear target. If he returns with the Canadiens at the right time, he will have extra motivation-and a schedule that offers no mercy.

Hopefully this motivates him for the rest of the season!

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