Change is brewing in Montreal, and the Canadiens are at the center of a lineup shakeup that few saw coming.

As the team prepares for its final pre-season matchup, the buzz around Quebec City isn’t just about the game—it’s about the surprising moves unfolding behind the scenes.

With injuries and unexpected decisions altering the course of training camp, fans and analysts are left speculating about what’s really happening inside the Canadiens’ locker room.

A major name, once thought to be a key piece in the top lines, now finds himself in unfamiliar territory. The ripple effects of a recent injury have set off a chain reaction, leading to a series of adjustments that could redefine the team’s strategy for the season ahead.

But what’s truly shocking isn’t just who’s moving up—it’s who’s moving down, and what that might mean for the Canadiens’ future.

As rumors swirl and anticipation builds, one question remains: How will these changes impact the team’s opening night roster? The answers are more complicated—and more intriguing—than anyone expected.

For those eager to uncover the details, the full story promises twists, surprises, and a closer look at the decisions shaping Montreal’s hockey landscape.

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine (92) left. Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc (76) right.

Photo credit: Habs Fanatics / NHL

The demotion of Patrik Laine is now confirmed with the Montreal Canadiens.

Despite the lower-body injury announced earlier today for forward Zachary Bolduc, Laine has remained outside the top six, and even the top nine.

The Montreal Canadiens make line changes and it’s confirmed for Patrik Laine

More and more, the chances of seeing Laine start the season on the fourth line, or even in the press box, are becoming very real.

That leaves us with this:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky

Veleno-Dach-Gallagher

Newhook-Kapanen-Demidov

Anderson-Evans-Laine

Matheson-Dobson

Guhle-Hutson

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Montembeault

Dobes

Yes, it now appears that Joe Veleno took Bolduc’s spot, not Laine!

“Here’s what Canadiens’ forward lines and defence pairings looked like at practice today in Quebec City. Habs will play their final pre-season game Saturday at the Bell Centre against Ottawa Senators”

– Stu Cowan

Patrik Laine is therefore now on the fourth line, alongside Jake Evans and Josh Anderson, and at this stage, it should not be expected that he will start the season with Kirby Dach and Ivan Demidov.

Laine, 27 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 208-pound forward who was the 2nd overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2016.

Last season, he recorded 33 points in 52 games (20 goals). He earns $8.7 million per year until July 1st, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent (unless he signs a contract extension before then).