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How Canadiens forward lines could look when Patrik Laine returns

Al Sciola
Al Sciola
|
Nov 22 2024, 4:43 pm
How Canadiens forward lines could look when Patrik Laine returns
Eric Bolte/Imagn Images

After suffering what looked to be a devastating knee injury in the early preseason, Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine seems to be making a speedy recovery.

Hitting the ice for practice in a non-contact jersey this week, Laine, who was acquired in an offseason trade, looks poised to make his long-awaited Canadiens debut sometime in the next few weeks.

Still, while he was originally slated to be out for two to three months, the timeline for Laine’s recovery remains uncertain. With that in mind, Habs fans are already speculating who he might play with when that day comes.

For reference, with head coach Martin St. Louis shaking things up following a string of six straight losses, here’s how Montreal’s forward lines have looked as of late:

  • Line 1: Juraj Slafkovsky – Nick Suzuki – Kirby Dach
  • Line 2: Alex Newhook – Jake Evans – Cole Caufield
  • Line 3: Josh Anderson – Christian Dvorak – Brendan Gallagher
  • Line 4: Emil Heineman – Lucas Condotta – Joel Armia

Given his status as an AHL player, we’ll have to assume that Condotta will be the odd one out when the Finnish sniper is cleared to play.

However, with leading scorer Cole Caufield playing on the second line these days, there is no guarantee that Laine, a three-time 60-point scorer, will get top-line minutes right off the bat.

If we had to guess, the Canadiens’ current top six may be dismantled to make way for the 26-year-old’s scoring touch. Meanwhile, St. Louis could reunite a dependable top trio featuring Caufield, Suzuki, and Slafkovsky.

As a result, here’s how Montreal’s forward units could shape up upon his return:

  • Line 1: Juraj Slafkovsky – Nick Suzuki – Cole Caufield
  • Line 2: Alex Newhook – Kirby Dach – Patrik Laine
  • Line 3: Josh Anderson – Jake Evans – Brendan Gallagher
  • Line 4: Emil Heineman – Christian Dvorak – Joel Armia

After shutting out the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, the Canadiens will look to improve upon their 7-10-2 record when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights this Saturday.

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