Not many thought Patrik Laine had it in him. But he’s back, and he’s back with a bang. And it’s so well-deserved. His story is one of inspiration, determination, positivity, and openness. With his recent performances, he’s proving to be the most important player in the NHL.
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It hasn’t been an easy couple of years for Patrik Laine. Drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, behind only Auston Matthews, he began his NHL career with a bang, scoring 36 and 44 goals in his first two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. But then, things took a steep downhill turn.
Laine’s performance started to decline, with fewer and fewer goals, and reports emerged of tension between him and some of the Jets’ biggest stars. Media outlets speculated that staying up all night playing video games—even before game days—was one of the reasons behind his struggles. It must have been incredibly difficult to go from being hailed as one of the league’s brightest young stars to being labeled a “bust” by both fans and media. The pressure of playing in the NHL is immense, and Laine clearly struggled to cope with it.
Patrik Laine overcame difficulties
In 2021, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but his career never fully rebounded. Laine played only 18 games during the 2023–24 regular season before entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
On social media, Laine explained that he joined the program to focus on his well-being and learn to be less hard on himself. Since then, he has talked openly about his struggles with mental health, a topic of immense importance in all sports. Every time an athlete speaks openly about their mental health struggles, it chips away at the stigma surrounding these issues.
Laine faced harsh comments on social media, with fans questioning his absence. However, during the summer, he was cleared to return from the Player Assistance Program. Shortly after, he and his fiancée, Jordan Leigh, launched a mental health initiative called “From Us to You” in response to fans sharing their personal stories. Once again, Laine highlighted the importance of speaking out and seeking help when dealing with mental health challenges.
Laine’s devastating injury
This summer, Laine was also traded to the Montreal Canadiens, signaling a fresh start in Canada. He appeared genuinely happy and excited about the move. However, during the preseason, he suffered a devastating (and arguably unnecessary) injury after a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Paré.
Laine announced he would be sidelined for 2–3 months—a setback that could have crushed anyone. But the Finnish star remained optimistic, saying he “dodged a bullet” by not needing surgery.
Now, Laine is back. And he’s proving once again that he’s an elite forward. He scored in his first NHL game with the Canadiens and again in his second. In total, he’s played seven NHL games this season, scoring six goals and registering seven points. On Tuesday, he recorded a hat trick against the Sabres.
Some are now calling him a “power-play merchant,” noting that all three goals against Buffalo came on the power play from the same spot: his signature position on the left side of the offensive zone, where he unleashes his elite shot. But I’ve never heard anyone complain about the way Alexander Ovechkin scores his goals.
Why Laine is so important
Yes, Laine only had 13:12 of ice time in Tuesday’s game, but there’s no need to rush him into big minutes. Laine is back and proving to be a powerful weapon for the Canadiens. More importantly, his return to hockey—and his strong performance—is a win for everyone.
Laine was brave enough to seek help during tough times. He persevered through it all, stayed positive despite suffering a brutal injury at arguably the worst time, and showed resilience in the face of adversity. He’s proven that reaching out for help is not a weakness but a strength—something to be proud of.
Now, he’s playing like a superstar again. The Canadiens may not make the playoffs this year, and Laine may never become a 50-goal scorer. But given what he’s overcome and how he’s inspired others, he is still the most important players in the NHL.
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