Alain Crête : Ivan Demidov is getting Patrik Laine out of Montreal

In Laine’s absence, Demidov is getting more ice time – especially on the power play – and the results so far have been interesting.

At least, Demidov has done enough to prompt Alain Crête to say that, right now, the kid is taking the veteran out of Montreal.

Alain Crête, who appeared on BPM Sports’ morning show, really thinks it’s the end for the Finn in town with what we’re seeing from Demidov :

I don’t think the CH needs Laine anymore […] I’d be very surprised if he’s back with the Habs next year. – Alain Crête

Patrik Laine is useful to the Habs when he scores on the power play.

But that’s not always the case, and yesterday it was clear that Demidov is capable of helping the CH when the club finds itself with a man advantage.

That said, it’s really the body of work that’s forcing some to think that Laine has to go.

Because all season long, the same things have been said: he’s not involved enough, he doesn’t look like the guy most interested in playing, he’s soft… and ultimately, that affects the team’s success too.

Seeing Laine – injured or not – be so nonchalant in the first few games of the series against the Capitals was the last straw for many.

And with Demidov enjoying success in #92’s absence, it’s safe to assume that the Habs already have what it takes to get by without Laine in the lineup.

On the other hand, it’s not as if the CH have many quality options to replace Laine on the 2nd line.

If Laine doesn’t come back for reason X (trade, buyout or whatever), they’ll have to find a replacement… because if Kent Hughes wants his group to move forward next season, he has to have a 2nd string that can give more offensively.

Maxime Truman made it clear in his article of the day: the CH can’t continue with a single trio. And like it or not, Laine – imperfect as he may be – has the tools to fill that chair if need be.

At that point, it’s a question of whether the Habs want to move forward with him or not…