Patrik Laine has made it clear that he wants to remain with the Montreal Canadiens beyond his current contract, providing hope for fans about his Canadiens future. The 27-year-old forward expressed his commitment during an interview on August 20th with Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports, affirming his enthusiasm for continuing with the team despite a challenging previous season.
When asked if he intended to stay in Montreal past his contract expiration in July 2026, Laine gave a concise and confident response.
“I don’t think I need to say more. Yes, I would love to be here.”
—Patrik Laine, Forward
His slight smile during the exchange reflected genuine satisfaction with his time in Montreal. Laine has been actively preparing for the upcoming season alongside other Canadiens players and seems optimistic about the team’s prospects.
Laine’s Commitment Backed by Positive Season Outlook and Preparation
Laine highlighted the progress the Canadiens made last year and expressed hope for continued improvement. He shared his experience with Martineau, noting the enjoyable atmosphere and the strong foundation the organization has built upon.
“It’s been a great year in the organization. I had a ton of fun during the year,”
Laine said.
“I’m very happy to be back, and hopefully we can continue to progress like we did last year. I think we’re on the right track and we’re going to do even better this year.”
—Patrik Laine, Forward
During the previous season, Laine scored 33 points and 20 goals in just 52 games, averaging over 14 minutes of ice time per game. As he enters the final year of his contract, which pays him $8.7 million annually, Laine is determined to bounce back and deliver a stronger performance.
Intense Training Marks Laine’s Second Offseason with Canadiens
This summer, Laine has approached training with a renewed intensity, preparing for a successful second season in Montreal. He told Ville Touru of Helsingin Sanomat that he has been able to train fully since May and has been on the ice nearly every day since early July.
“I’ve been able to train fully since May,”
Laine revealed.
“Since the beginning of July, I’ve been on the ice almost every day.”
—Patrik Laine, Forward
This regimen contrasts sharply with the previous year when shoulder surgery limited his preparation time to about three weeks before the season, forcing a period of rehabilitation.
“Last summer, I probably trained for three weeks before the season,”
Laine explained.
“I had shoulder surgery and was out for maybe a month and a half.”
—Patrik Laine, Forward
Having a full offseason for training rather than recovery promises to enhance his readiness and performance for the upcoming campaign.
Potential Contract Extensions and Impact on Montreal’s Salary Cap
Speculation around Laine’s next contract suggests a reasonable extension that fits within the Canadiens’ financial plans. AFP Analytics estimates a four-year deal worth approximately $6.06 million per season, which aligns well with the expected salary cap increase to $104 million.
A contract at this value would place Laine’s average annual salary between teammates Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher, both key players on the roster.
Laine’s scoring ability notably surpasses these players, having reached at least 20 goals in seven of his nine NHL seasons. By comparison, Anderson has achieved 20 goals twice in a 12-year career, while Gallagher has reached that mark five times since starting in the 2012-13 season.
For the Canadiens, retaining Laine on such a contract would represent an investment in proven offensive talent and goal-scoring consistency.
Laine’s Role Within a Growing Canadiens Team
The Montreal Canadiens boast a vibrant mix of young and experienced players, including emerging talents like Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Nick Suzuki, alongside veterans Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson. Laine’s presence adds significant firepower and leadership potential to the lineup as the team aims to build on last season’s momentum.
His ongoing dedication to training and enthusiasm for the organization suggest he will play a significant role in Montreal’s pursuit of greater success in the coming season and beyond.