As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for another challenging NHL season, one name has ignited heated debate both inside and outside the locker room: Patrik Laine.

The Finnish forward, once hailed as a game-changing talent, now finds himself at the center of a storm of opinions as he attempts to reboot his career in a fresh environment.

Recent comments from Canadiens camp have painted an optimistic picture of Laine’s potential impact, but not everyone is convinced.

On the latest episode of the Laraque and Gonzalez podcast, former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque didn’t hold back, delivering a blunt assessment that has left fans and analysts buzzing.

Is Laine truly capable of bouncing back, or are his best days already behind him?

The controversy doesn’t end there. While Laraque questions Laine’s commitment and predicts a short, turbulent season, his co-host Gonzalez offers a starkly different perspective, arguing that last year’s injuries have unfairly clouded the forward’s reputation.

With such conflicting views, the stage is set for one of the most closely watched storylines in Montreal this year.

Will Laine defy the doubters and reclaim his star status, or is another disappointment looming? The answers may surprise you as we dig deeper into this unfolding drama.

Photo of Patrik Laine and Georges Laraque

Photo credit: AllHabs/NHL

As Patrik Laine tries to revive his career in a new environment, opinions are far from unanimous about what he can bring. On the Laraque and Gonzalez podcast, Georges Laraque didn’t mince words about the Finnish forward.

So far, several positive comments have emerged from Canadiens camp regarding Patrik Laine. However, it seems some aren’t too excited about seeing Laine with the Habs this season.

According to Laraque, the upcoming season for Laine could be very short and full of obstacles, to the point where Laine might even leave the team by the trade deadline.

Georges Laraque Doesn’t Believe in Patrik Laine’s Comeback

Laraque was very clear in his analysis:

“I don’t see him playing more than 40 games this year, and I’m willing to bet big on that. Because at the trade deadline, he’s gone. I’m sorry, but I haven’t forgotten what happened last year.”

– Laraque on Laine

He added that regardless of Laine’s physical condition, he doesn’t believe in his ability to be fully engaged.

“I don’t care if he’s in shape, I don’t believe in Patrik Laine. To win, you need a guy who’s committed in all three zones, not just on the power play.”

On the other hand, his colleague Gonzalez completely disagreed with Laraque’s view. For him, last year’s injuries don’t reflect the Finn’s true potential.

“He had a broken finger and he was injured. Personally, I’m excited about Laine and I believe in him,” he replied.

Here’s the full clip, worth listening to both perspectives:

@bpmsportsradio

Georges pète la bulle des partisans concernant Laine: « Je ne le vois pas jouer plus que 40 matchs cette année! » Et vous? 🥶🏒 #laine #Habs #ch

♬ son original – BPMSPORTSRADIO

Personally, I’m not in the best position to say what will happen with Laine, but one thing’s for sure: this season will be decisive in determining whether he can once again become an impact player with the Tricolore.