New Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine speaking to the media during a press conference.Photo credit: Screenshot

This evening just hours after being traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine has spoken for the first time as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Today was a massive day for the Montreal Canadiens. They made a big splash and traded for former 2nd overall pick Patrik Laine. The trade sent away young defenseman Jordan Harris in return.

In the hours following the trade, fans were waiting patiently to hear more about this exciting trade. Now we finally have some bold comments from new Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine.

Patrik Laine makes a bold prediction for his future in Montreal

During his press conference via Zoom Patrik Laine was asked about his expectations heading into Montreal. He was specifically asked if he thinks he could get back to his 30-goal-scoring seasons. In a bold prediction, Patrik Laine believes he can far surpass those expectations.

Patrik Laine’s reference to past seasons goes all the way back to his time with the Winnipeg Jets. During his peak in Winnipeg Patrik Laine had a season where he scored 44 goals and had 26 points for an outstanding 70 point season.

He continued to talk about his future with the Montreal Canadiens. According to Patrik Laine one of the things he is most excited about is playing in front of the passionate Canadiens fans.

While most of his remarks during this media session were about his new opportunity with the Montreal Canadiens Patrik Laine also decided to speak about his former team the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Patrik Laine sends a final farewell to the city of Columbus

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During the press conference, Patrik Laine made sure to address his former team the Columbus Blue Jackets. He admitted his tenure in Columbus was far from easy but appreciated the people and fans he was surrounded by.

Patrik Laine’s tenure in Columbus was as he said filled with challenges and struggle. In his 4 years with the Blue Jackets Patrik Laine had success when he was available to play but found himself missing games each season.

His best two campaigns came in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. In 2021-22 he played 56 games and finished with 56 points including 26 goals. Then in 2022-23, he played 55 games and this time tallied 52 points with his goal scoring regressing down to 22 goals.

Now Patrik Laine will take this new opportunity and look to get back to his dominant form. It sounds as though Patrik Laine is looking to get back to his goal-scoring roots which could be a formula for major success with the Montreal Canadiens.