Patrik Laine out vs Jets as Eric Engels reports future in Montreal is in doubt
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Insider Eric Engels just dropped a major bombshell: Patrik Laine will not be in uniform Wednesday, and he might never wear the Montreal Canadiens jersey again.
Let’s be real, this is a total cold shower for everyone in Montreal. We were firmly waiting for the big Finn for the game against Winnipeg, but the scenario is turning sour.
Engels didn’t pull any punches on Tony Marinaro’s microphone, stating that the sniper’s future is beyond murky. We all hoped his offensive impact would jumpstart the club, but the spark just isn’t there anymore.
“I can tell you that right now. He’s not playing against the Winnipeg Jets. But I can tell you that some people were assuming that because they put Blais on waivers, that it meant that Patrik Laine was going to be back in the lineup.
I don’t know if Patrik Laine is going to play another game for the Canadiens. I think it becomes even harder because Texier will be back… and Alex Newhook is coming back…And so the question becomes, as we get closer to the deadline, as the salary dwindles and the actual money going to him dwindles, and the willingness to retain money on him is certainly there, that potentially they find him a new home.”
– Eric Engels
It’s quite simple: if this split is confirmed, Kent Hughes’ gamble is going to leave a bitter taste for the fans. The locker room has to deal with a massive distraction while Martin St-Louis is still searching for his famous “mix.”
The organization has to make room since Alex Newhook and Alexandre Texier are on the verge of returning to play. The congestion at forward is forcing Hughes’ hand, even though Blais hasn’t been idle on the ice.
Patrik Laine: The dreaded news drops and it could change everything for the Canadiens
We can agree that the return of the two forwards will bring a bit of punch, but the shadow of number 92 is looming everywhere.
Let’s be honest, the team’s quick turnaround depends on stability, not on files that drag on. If Laine has truly played his last career NHL game with the Canadiens, it’s a failure.
The fans deserve clear answers instead of being served uncertainty this morning.
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Patrik Laine out vs Jets as Eric Engels reports future in Montreal is in doubt
Do you think Patrik Laine has played his last game with the Canadiens?