Rumors about the player’s possible trade to the Habs have resurfaced after Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine was reportedly spotted at the Montreal airport.

Patrik Laine is undoubtedly a talented hockey player, recording 6 of his seasons with more than 50 total points. However, after some less productive play, the Finnish-born player made the tough decision to step back from the sport and join the NHL/NHLPA Player Assitance Program. In a statement on Instagram, Laine shared that he needed to take the time to focus on improving his mental health and thanked the community for their support.

“After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.

I am grateful for the understanding and support of my team, the league, and our fans during this time. I look forward to returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this time and for your continued support.

With love,
Patty”

Now, Laine has officially re-entered the league, getting cleared from the Player Assistance Program late in July. Being back with the Columbus Blue Jackets, talks that he may be placed on the trade block have persisted. It was believed GM Don Waddell would use Laine to make a big change in the team’s structure.

“The Athletic: With Patrik Laine cleared from NHL/NHLPA players assistance program, #CBJ GM Don Waddell may now proceed with his last major transaction of the off-season.”

However, these trade rumors have escalated substantially in the last few days. According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, Patrik Laine shared on a recent edition of The Sick Podcast with Tony Mariano that Laine was recently spotted at the Montreal Airport. Provided the Habs’ need for an effective goal-scorer and his appearance in the city, this gives more rise to the likelihood of his trade to the team.

“I’ve seen that there are red flags similar to those of Pierre-Luc Dubois for Patrik Laine that could be concerning. But at the same time, it’s difficult to find players who want to come to Montreal, and Laine is an established sharpshooter who wants out of Columbus. He has just come out of the NHL’s player assistance program, but the thing with Kent Hughes is that he has so many contacts across the league, so he’ll do his homework. […]

Is there a possibility that he could come here? YES! The Canadiens need players who can score, and Laine can do that. But I’m not sure if he would fit well in the team’s chemistry in the locker room. We saw the example with Dubois in Los Angeles. We’ll see, but he (Laine) was seen at the Montreal airport.”

Though his presence in Montreal is no guarantee he will be part of the Habs, this does make his chances of joining the team look much better than they did just weeks ago. Hopefully, no matter where he ends up at the start of the next NHL season, he will have the success he is looking for.