As the Montreal Canadiens navigate the 2025-26 season, a significant question mark looms over the team's roster: the impending return of winger Patrik Laine and his long-term fit with the club.
The Injury and Impending Comeback
Patrik Laine has been sidelined since late October 2025 after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The initial prognosis from the team indicated a recovery timeline of three to four months, which now places the 27-year-old Finnish forward on the cusp of a return to the ice. He has resumed skating, signaling the final stages of his rehabilitation.
Laine's season, however, was abbreviated even before the injury. In the five games he managed to play, his offensive production was limited to a single assist, with no goals and a minus-3 plus/minus rating. This quiet start has only amplified the scrutiny surrounding his situation.
The Contract Conundrum
The core of the debate stems from Laine's contractual status. He is in the final season of his current deal, carrying a substantial salary cap hit of US $8.7 million. This figure represents a significant portion of the Canadiens' cap space for a player who has struggled with consistency and health since arriving in Montreal.
This combination—a high cap hit, an expiring contract, and recent injury history—forces the Canadiens' management to make a critical evaluation. The team must decide if Laine is a cornerstone piece for their ongoing rebuild or an asset that may be better utilized in another manner, whether through a trade before any deadline or by deciding not to renew his contract in the offseason.
Analyzing the Fit Moving Forward
The question of Laine's place was the central topic of a bonus episode of The Gazette's Hockey Inside/Out Show. Host Stu Cowan was joined by former Canadiens and 1986 Stanley Cup champions Chris Nilan and Rick Green to dissect the dilemma.
Key discussion points inevitably revolve around whether Laine can rediscover the elite goal-scoring form that made him a star earlier in his career. Furthermore, the Canadiens must assess if his skill set aligns with the team's strategic direction and if his projected role justifies the financial commitment a new contract would demand.
His imminent return will provide a crucial audition. How he performs in the remaining games of the season will be heavily scrutinized, not just by fans and media, but by general manager Kent Hughes and the hockey operations staff. It is a high-stakes scenario for both the player and the franchise.
The Canadiens' weekly Hockey Inside/Out Show returns on Wednesday, with three additional bonus episodes planned. The show is available on the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel, as well as on popular podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
