Hockey

Martin St-Louis expects to see the best version of Patrik Laine this season
Marc-Olivier Cook
Martin St-Louis expects to see the best version of Patrik Laine this season
Credit: Getty Images

When he arrived in Montreal last year, Patrik Laine wasn't at the top of his game: he hadn't played in a while, he was recovering from surgery… and he'd had to miss games due to his mental health. On the other hand, Martin St-Louis – who spoke to reporters this morning – liked what he saw from the player this summer. Laine spent his summer on the ice, he worked hard to be ready for the start of the season, and that can produce an interesting result. In fact, the Habs pilot went further, saying that we could possibly see the “best version” of Patrik Laine this season. Laine is in shape, he has what it takes to help the Canadiens on the ice… and with his current state, he can become a really important player in the Montreal line-up. St-Louis is well aware of this:

If Patrik Laine does things the right way on the ice, the Habs could have a top-6 player. Laine has the skills to succeed, and we know how devastating his shot is too, but everyone can also recognize the fact that it was his level of effort that bothered many last season. We didn't see him get involved every night, and when he did, the Finn (very) often found himself at the heart of several criticisms the day after a game. There's a great opportunity presenting itself for him, though. Laine is likely to start the season with Ivan Demidov at his side(and Kirby Dach at center), and the two wingers seemed to build a certain chemistry this summer in Brossard. Laine – Demidov, that could become dangerous. Especially if Dach can keep up, too…

Laine has worked hard this summer, the Canadiens' head coach acknowledges… and ultimately, it'll be interesting to see what can come of it. Because once again, with Patrik Laine at the top of his game, things can change on the ice. And if we truly witness the best version of the sniper from the start of the season, there could be some interesting results too.

'Overtime'

– I don't hate the idea.

– Nice line-up.

– Of course.

– To be continued.

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