The winds of change are swirling around the Montreal Canadiens, and at the heart of the storm stands Patrik Laine—a name that has sparked endless debate among fans, analysts, and insiders alike. On a brisk October night at Bell Centre, as the Canadiens faced off against the Nashville Predators, Laine’s presence on the ice seemed to carry more weight than ever before. But beneath the bright lights and roaring crowds, a single, pressing question has quietly haunted Montreal’s hockey circles for months: Is this the final chapter of Patrik Laine’s tenure in the iconic red, white, and blue?

With his contract set to expire this summer, the uncertainty surrounding Laine’s future has reached a fever pitch. Rumors swirl, opinions clash, and every shift he takes is scrutinized with the intensity reserved for only the most polarizing athletes. The stakes are high—not just for Laine, but for a franchise hungry for stability and success, a fanbase desperate for answers, and a management team tasked with making decisions that could reshape the very identity of the Canadiens.

Yet, as the season unfolds, the narrative grows more complex. On one hand, whispers from the locker room suggest that Laine himself is eager to remain in Montreal, longing to extend his stay and prove his worth to a city that has embraced him with open arms—and, at times, with critical eyes. On the other hand, the numbers tell a different story, one that is as cold and unyielding as the ice itself. Game by game, the odds of a Laine return seem to dwindle, and recent developments have cast a shadow over his prospects like never before.

Insiders close to the organization have begun to voice their doubts, hinting that the team’s performance may have actually improved in Laine’s absence. In a sport where chemistry and momentum can make or break a season, such revelations are nothing short of seismic. But what is truly happening behind closed doors? What are the conversations taking place in the executive suites, and what do they mean for Laine and the future of the Canadiens?

The answers, it seems, are anything but simple. The power play—long a source of frustration for Montreal—has suddenly come alive, and new faces are stepping into the spotlight. Strategies are shifting, lineups are evolving, and the team’s trajectory appears to be changing course. Is this a coincidence, or is it a direct result of Laine’s diminished role? And if so, what does that mean for his legacy in Montreal?

As the speculation intensifies, one thing is clear: there are forces at work shaping the fate of Patrik Laine, and the coming weeks will be pivotal. Will he find a way to reclaim his place in the lineup, or has the verdict already been delivered? Behind every statistic and every expert comment lies a deeper story—one that is still unfolding, and one that could have lasting consequences for both Laine and the Canadiens.

What really happened to spark this dramatic shift? Why are so many convinced that the team is better off without him? And could this be the moment that changes everything for Patrik Laine in Montreal? The answers may surprise you—and they’re closer than you think.

Oct 16, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Patrik Laine (92) looks on against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

For several months now, only one question has persisted regarding Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine.

With his contract expiring this summer… will he be back with the Canadiens next season or not?

We know that Laine would really like to return to Montreal and extend his stay with the Habs for next season, but his chances of that happening are shrinking game by game…

As Antoine Roussel unfortunately pointed out, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are clearly realizing that the team performs better without Patrik Laine… ouch.

Another blow falls on Patrik Laine and his chances of returning to the Canadiens next year

It really feels like the end for Laine in Montreal.

Clearly, the Montreal Canadiens’ management now has the verdict in front of them: the team is better off without Laine, unfortunately.

Especially considering that the power play is firing on all cylinders without Patrik Laine, Roussel is unequivocal.

“Without Laine, St-Louis decided to put all his eggs in one basket on the power play. He moved Ivan Demidov up to the first unit.

Before October 16, the Canadiens had the 23rd-ranked power play in the league, with a 15% success rate (3 for 20).

From October 17 to Monday morning, it was the best in the league, at 46.7% (6 for 13).”

– Antoine Roussel

“Since the lineup changes, you can really see that no one misses Laine.

And that’s what led Antoine Roussel to say that the Canadiens, unfortunately for No. 92, are better off without Patrik Laine.”

– DLC

Do you agree with Antoine Roussel?

Personally, I would’ve liked to see Laine play a bit longer this season, but it’s true that it’s becoming harder and harder to find him a useful and logical spot in the lineup if he’s not contributing (or at least contributing much less) on the power play and not playing on the top two lines.