Patrik Laine has seen his role with the Montreal Canadiens shrink in recent weeks and has faced backlash from comments he made about his former team the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Laine addressed his reduced minutes and diminished role with the Canadiens during the days and weeks leading to the break.
Speaking to The Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis on Wednesday, Laine expressed frustration with his limited ice time with the Habs while looking forward to a larger role with Team Finland.
“To be able to get on the ice a little more definitely helps,” Laine said. “It’s been kinda limited the past couple of weeks.
"With the guys I’m playing here, I’m hopefully gonna see more ice time. That’s gonna help, obviously. It’s hard to get going when you’re not been able to perform.”
The Canadiens were using Laine in a rather prominent role for December and January but that changed during the last two weeks.
Laine went from averaging 15:29 minutes of playing time during his first 21 games to 12:47 in his last seven before the break. In the five games he's played in February, he's only topped 12:44 minutes once while averaging 11:58.
Laine acknowledged that his confidence has taken a hit but sees the tournament as a chance to reset.
“I think it’ll be a good turning point just to play good here and gain confidence and keep it going with the (Habs) for the rest of the year,” Laine said.
After returning from an early-season injury, Laine was a key offensive piece for Montreal but as his role shrunk the Canadiens' struggles were amplified with the Habs winning just one of their last nine games.
“Body feels pretty good, skating feels pretty good. Obviously confidence is not super high, but minus that, I’m feeling pretty good,” Laine said. “It’s kind of hard even if your body feels great, if pucks are bouncing and the confidence isn’t there, it makes it harder.”
Laine and Team Finland will face Team USA on Thursday for both nations' debut in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
-1739709220-q80.webp "Chris Kreider Struggling To Find A Role On Team USA At 4 Nations Face-Off")