For Patrik Laine, the 2024-25 season was supposed to be his redemption. After a turbulent start in Montreal, the Finnish sniper arrived at training camp with a renewed focus, ready to silence critics and prove he could thrive in hockey’s most demanding market.

His powerful shot, elite puck skills, and newfound maturity promised a breakout year—one that could solidify his place as a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ future. But fate, it seems, had other plans. Now, as whispers of an “inevitable separation” grow louder, Laine’s dream season has unraveled into a nightmare of injuries and uncertainty.

A brutal sports hernia surgery has sidelined him for months, casting a shadow over his career in Montreal and jeopardizing his shot at Olympic glory. In a stunning assessment, former Canadiens forward and blunt analyst Antoine Roussel has dropped a bombshell that could seal Laine’s fate in the city.

With the Canadiens quietly shifting their identity towards speed and youth, Roussel sees no scenario where Laine stays beyond this season. How did a player poised for a comeback find himself on the brink of exile? And what damning reasons led Roussel to declare, “It’s an open secret” that Laine’s time in Montreal is over? The answers reveal a harsh truth about hockey’s unforgiving business—and a star player hanging by a thread.

Photo of Patrik Laine and Antoine Roussel

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens and Patrik Laine are most likely heading toward an inevitable separation, according to Antoine Roussel.

Roussel mentions that the end of the contract is approaching and that the team is already thinking about the future.

Since his arrival in Montreal, Patrik Laine has struggled to convince fans and observers…

Now out long-term after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia, the Finnish forward is not expected to return to play before 2026, and his future with the Canadiens seems increasingly uncertain.

That’s what former player and analyst Antoine Roussel confirmed in the latest episode of the podcast Sortie de zone.

Antoine Roussel sees no scenario where Patrik Laine stays in Montreal

During his appearance, Roussel was very clear:

“It’s clear that the Canadiens will not renew Patrik Laine’s contract. It’s an open secret. The Canadiens will want a player who fits within the organization, with the team’s identity – fast, energetic players…. It’s sad to say, but [his injury] benefits the team because it allows them to make effective line combinations.”

– Antoine Roussel

In his opinion, Laine simply no longer fits into the Canadiens’ long-term plans.

The team is now focused on a young, fast, and energetic identity, with players like Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov.

Meanwhile, Laine is expensive and struggles to produce at 5-on-5.

“All these reasons make it harder than ever to imagine Laine staying in town after this season,” summarized from Roussel’s analysis.

His injury, which will keep him out for at least three to four months, could also cause him to miss the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.

“Can’t help but feel for Patrik Laine who was approaching this year as a redemption season.

The timeline for his recovery will likely mean Laine will miss out on representing Finland at the Olympics in February as well.”

– Priyanta Emrith

A frustrating situation for a talented player, but one whose future in Montreal now appears compromised.

It’s sad to say, but I honestly think Roussel could be right…

All signs point to Kent Hughes wanting to build around speed and youth in the long term – and that Laine, despite all his talent, no longer truly fits into Kent Hughes’ plan.