After a season filled with unexpected triumphs and heartbreaking setbacks, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads, brimming with hope and anticipation as a new chapter begins.

With the memory of last year’s wild playoff ride still fresh, fans are buzzing about what could be next for this young, dynamic squad. Yet, amidst all the speculation, one voice has risen above the rest—Patrik Laine, newly healthy and more determined than ever, has issued a statement so bold it’s sent shockwaves through the hockey world.

But what exactly did Laine say that has everyone talking? Is his confidence a sign of something bigger brewing in Montreal, or just another off-season headline?

With the arrival of star defenseman Noah Dobson and the promise of a full season from rising talents like Kirby Dach and Ivan Demidov, the Canadiens seem poised for something special.

Still, questions remain: Can this team truly live up to the hype, and will Laine’s guarantee become a rallying cry or a risky bet? Dive into the full story to uncover the details behind Laine’s stunning promise and what it could mean for Montreal’s quest to defy expectations once again.

Photo credit: Daily Faceoff

Last year was a tough season for Patrik Laine, but now that he’s healthy, the Canadiens star has made a promise to fans ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 2024/25 season was a memorable one for the Montreal Canadiens, a young team that defied expectations to snag one of the Wild Card spots in the Eastern Conference.

While they ultimately fell short of their Stanley Cup goal, given their young roster, it’s easy to see why there’s so much hope and optimism for the future, especially with a fully healthy Patrik Laine and the arrival of star blue liner Noah Dobson.

Laine’s Bold Prediction Puts Spotlight on Montreal’s Playoff Hopes

It’s that same Laine that has now made a bold, yet confident statement ahead of the new season, as he was asked about their playoff hopes this year, keeping his answer short, simple and very direct.

We won’t be in the mix, we’ll be in.

Laine would go on to talk more about the team and why he’s so confident, but that short statement proves just how confident this organization is, as they have added some great talent since their post-season run a year ago that make them even deeper and more dynamic.

Can the Canadiens Back Up Laine’s Guarantee This Season?

While some believe everything had to go right for Montreal to make it where they did last season, this year there’s genuine confidence, with Noah Dobson’s arrival, Kirby Dach’s return and the first full season of Ivan Demidov giving them one of the most exciting rosters in the NHL.

Sure, they may need to add a genuine, experienced 2C to this roster to give that forward group the depth it needs down the middle, but for now, there’s immense hope in Montreal of a genuine Stanley Cup contender, and it’s clear that the team feels that same way.