The buzz surrounding the Montreal Canadiens is reaching a fever pitch as the new season draws near, and there’s one name that refuses to leave the headlines: Patrik Laine.

Ever since his high-profile arrival from Columbus, fans and analysts alike have been captivated by his explosive potential—and with training camp just weeks away, that excitement has only intensified. But beneath the surface of all the optimism and highlight-reel goals, there’s a simmering question that few are daring to ask out loud.

What if things don’t go according to plan?

While Laine’s chemistry with a certain young phenom has been grabbing attention during the offseason, whispers are growing louder about a bold contingency plan quietly taking shape behind the scenes.

Insiders are hinting that the Canadiens’ management may already have a surprising solution in place should their star forward stumble out of the gate. The details are as intriguing as they are unexpected, and the potential fallout could reshape the team’s future in ways no one saw coming.

Who is waiting in the wings? How will the coaching staff handle this delicate situation? And what does it all mean for the Canadiens’ hopes this season? The answers might just shock you.

Dec 12, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Patrik Laine (92) stretches during warm-up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The name of Patrik Laine has not stopped making waves here in Montreal.

Acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets a year ago, Laine gave us a taste of his immense talent last season, especially on the power play..

And this summer, he’s giving us a taste of his impressive work ethic!

The Canadiens star forward was recently spotted live from Brossard.

Laine also seems to actually be developing quite an incredible chemistry with young Ivan Demidov, and everything indicates that he will start the season on the second line in Montreal, precisely with Demidov.

But what will happen if things don’t go very well for Laine on that second line?

Well, everything suggests that a replacement has already been targeted by the Canadiens.

Zachary Bolduc Could Quickly Step In as Patrik Laine’s Replacement If He Struggles Early

It’s no coincidence that Kent Hughes already made this acquisition.

It will be up to Martin St-Louis to manage this situation, but it already seems to be quite clear and precise.

Notably, the excellent journalist Stu Cowan sees big things for the player who was acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Blues (for Logan Mailloux).

Everything indicates that Laine will start on the left wing of the second line, and we hope it works out well, but if not, it would be Zachary Bolduc who would replace him.

This will be another storyline that will be fascinating to follow at the next Canadiens training camp, in just a few weeks.

But it definitely seems like Zachary Bolduc will be a key player for the team this season!