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Patrik Laine is currently at the center of a particularly unusual and uncomfortable situation with the Montreal Canadiens.
At this point in the season, it’s worth recalling that the Finnish forward played just five games early in the campaign before undergoing surgery.
While he was initially expected to miss only a few months of action, the reality is that he has not been seen wearing the Canadiens uniform since then.
Officially, Laine’s name remains on the team’s injured list.
However, within the organization, it’s an open secret: everyone understands that he is healthy enough to return to play.
In reality, the pending unrestricted free agent is currently being paid to practice with the group and watch games from the press box.
Despite this frustrating situation, he has made sure to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to himself.
This exemplary attitude has earned him a strong show of public support from his general manager.
Patrik Laine’s professionalism praised by Kent Hughes
“We have to give a lot of credit to Patrik Laine,” Kent Hughes said bluntly.
Hughes immediately acknowledged that it is a “difficult situation” for his player.
The general manager, who was discussing the depth of his roster and the tough decisions that come with leaving players out, said he is extremely proud to see Laine doing everything he can to avoid becoming a distraction in the locker room.
It must be said that this is a particularly tough situation for Laine to accept.
As he looks for a new contract for next season, being stuck in the stands is far from the ideal showcase to secure his NHL future.
Yet despite all that, Laine continues to behave like a truly exemplary teammate.
It’s worth recalling that after the trade deadline, Hughes had stated that Laine was available to the coaching staff.
In any case, the message is clear: Laine is handling this situation with a great deal of class and remains a positive influence on his teammates, which greatly pleases the Canadiens’ management.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Kent Hughes praises Patrik Laine for his class in a very difficult Canadiens situation
Do you have compassion for Patrik Laine’s current situation with the Canadiens?