Laine, who was acquired by the Canadiens in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19 with a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for defenseman Jordan Harris, was limited to 18 games last season, the last coming Dec. 14, 2023, because of a broken clavicle. He had nine points (six goals, three assists).

Patrik Laine raised some eyebrows on Monday when he participated fully in the Montreal Canadiens’ practice, having ditched the non-contact jersey for the first time since returning to the ice after a knee injury.