Patrik Laine, a new addition to the Montreal Canadiens lineup, had no issue stepping in at practice after teammate David Savard put Michael Pezzetta into the boards
NHL training camps aren't even officially started yet, and already things got spicy between Montreal Canadiens teammates on the ice today. It was trade pickup and new addition to the Habs' lineup Patrik Laine who stepped in to make sure things didn't escalate.
The Montreal Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets under a month ago. Laine had asked for the trade, feeling a needed a fresh start in a new city after a season filled with injury and a stint in the NHL Players Assistance program. Following the trade, Patrik Laine said he was willing to do 'whatever it takes' to be a contributor with the Montreal Canadiens, and it seems that means being a leader on the ice.
During a Montreal Canadiens' informal practice, veteran defenceman David Savard drove teammate Michael Pezzetta into the boards hard behind the net. Savard knew he had crossed a line right away, and was checking on Pezzetta to make sure he was ok. That's when Laine stepped in and grabbed Savard to make sure things didn't escalate, and to perhaps let him know the hit was awful.
Picking up Patrik Laine was a very low risk move for the Montreal Canadiens. Laine has two years remaining on his current deal, which carries an annual cap hit of $8.7 million. Montreal had the space and time as the team retools to see if Laine can get back to even somewhere near his previous form.
Patrik Laine said he's looking forward to playing in Montreal, and added he loves the spotlight. He's going to get it there for sure, whether he succeeds in regaining his form or not. Montreal Canadiens players' have to deal constant media scrutiny, which includes things happening both on an off the ice.
