Canadiens Prudently Delay Activating Patrik Laine
The Montreal Canadiens have made a strategic decision to delay activating Patrik Laine, despite indications that he is nearing recovery from his recent core muscle surgery. Laine underwent this procedure on October 25, and the expected recovery timeline was set at three to four months.
Recovery Timeline and Practice Status
General Manager Kent Hughes confirmed on January 6 that Laine is on schedule with his recovery. Recent developments show that Laine participated in several non-contact practices in Kanata, Ontario, before engaging in full practice sessions. However, he is not yet cleared to play.
Coaching Perspective
Head Coach Martin St. Louis acknowledges Laine’s potential contributions, particularly on the power play. He stated that the decision to reintegrate Laine will depend on input from the team’s head athletic therapist, Jim Ramsay. St. Louis emphasized the importance of being patient regarding Laine’s readiness.
Performance Analysis and Current Team Dynamics
Laine, a 27-year-old winger, has faced challenges over the past few seasons, including injuries that have affected his gameplay. Despite his past success, including a strong track record with the Winnipeg Jets, Laine’s recent performance has been limited. In prior games, he had 20 goals for the Canadiens, yet the team has managed to score an impressive 3.33 goals per game this season without his presence.
- Laine’s current performance:
- Only four shots in 12:12 of power play time.
- -3 plus/minus rating.
- Team scoring without Laine:
- Ranked sixth in the NHL for goals scored per game.
- Ranked sixth for power play efficiency.
Future Possibilities
The Canadiens face several challenges as they consider Laine’s return. Incorporating him into a team’s rotation will require careful planning, particularly against dynamic opponents like the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche. Laine’s slower playstyle may not align well with the current team’s fast-paced strategy.
The Canadiens may need to adjust their roster to accommodate Laine, which could involve a player moving to the American Hockey League. Currently, the team is cautious, as evidenced by their approach to recent player activations. Teammate Brendan Gallagher commented on the team’s prudent strategy, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Laine is fully ready before returning to play.
In conclusion, the Montreal Canadiens are taking a cautious approach toward reactivating Patrik Laine while evaluating their options to best integrate him into the lineup. This strategy is essential for maximizing both Laine’s performance and the team’s overall effectiveness moving forward.
