In a recent article posted by Finnish outlet Yle Urheilu, former Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu spoke on the offseason acquisition of Patrik Laine, offering advice from his own experience of playing in La Belle Province.
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Koivu had this to say about being a Finnish superstar in Montreal:
“In professional sports, you just have to deal with the pressure. It is important to be able to separate the civilian persona from the player persona in weaker moments. Montreal is a fantastic city and a sports city that shows immense respect for the players but also demands respect for itself. The connection between the club, the players and the city is absolutely unique.”
The former Finnish forward played 792 regular season games with the Canadiens, amassing 191 goals and 641 points. He captained Montreal for ten of his 14 years with the team. He was voted to the NHL All-Star game twice in 1998 and 2003 and won both the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
Koivu is aware of the metaphorical magnifying glass cast over players wearing the Sainte-Flanelle. During his Montreal tenure, he was at the center of the most notable moments of fan love in his return to the Bell Centre from cancer. He also endured the vitriol of language politics and inquiries as to why he couldn’t speak much French.
Laine is looking to write a new chapter in his NHL story with the Canadiens. After a tumultuous 2023-24 season, wherein he only played 18 games before entering into the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance program, Laine has since opened up about his mental health struggles and is looking to take what he’s learned and apply it going forward. The hope is that he can return to a 30, 40-goal scorer once again, but the two years left on his contract won’t hurt the team in the long run if it doesn’t work out.
Related: Canadiens: Bruce Boudreau Gives His Thoughts on the Laine Trade
The optimistic point of view is hoping Laine will return to form. So far, he and his family have done everything right since coming to Montreal. He has shared all the right, reassuring words to dissuade doubters, and his fiancée Jordan Leigh has even taken to social media asking supporters for ways to learn French and for Quebecois food recommendations.
It ultimately comes down to on-ice performance as to whether or not he remains in the good graces of Habs fans. Some in the media feel that Laine was the wrong skater to trade for. However, Continuing to be respectful and optimistic off the ice has so far benefited the player-fanbase relationship.
Related
Canadiens: Gilbert Delorme Talks Pascal Vincent-Patrik Laine Relationship
Canadiens: Patrik Laine Opens Up About Mental Health
Canadiens: Players React to Laine Trade
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