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Georges Laraque Goes Off on Laine: 'He Won't Play 40 Games and Will Be Traded by Deadline'
As Patrik Laine tries to revive his career in a new environment, opinions are far from unanimous about what he can bring. On the Laraque and Gonzalez podcast, Georges Laraque didn't mince words about the Finnish forward.
So far, several positive comments have emerged from Canadiens camp regarding Patrik Laine. However, it seems some aren't too excited about seeing Laine with the Habs this season.
According to Laraque, the upcoming season for Laine could be very short and full of obstacles, to the point where Laine might even leave the team by the trade deadline.
Georges Laraque Doesn't Believe in Patrik Laine's Comeback
Laraque was very clear in his analysis:
"I don't see him playing more than 40 games this year, and I'm willing to bet big on that. Because at the trade deadline, he's gone. I'm sorry, but I haven't forgotten what happened last year."
- Laraque on Laine
- Laraque on Laine
He added that regardless of Laine's physical condition, he doesn't believe in his ability to be fully engaged.
"I don't care if he's in shape, I don't believe in Patrik Laine. To win, you need a guy who's committed in all three zones, not just on the power play."
On the other hand, his colleague Gonzalez completely disagreed with Laraque's view. For him, last year's injuries don't reflect the Finn's true potential.
"He had a broken finger and he was injured. Personally, I'm excited about Laine and I believe in him," he replied.
Here's the full clip, worth listening to both perspectives:
Personally, I'm not in the best position to say what will happen with Laine, but one thing's for sure: this season will be decisive in determining whether he can once again become an impact player with the Tricolore.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 339 ANSWERS Georges Laraque Goes Off on Laine: 'He Won't Play 40 Games and Will Be Traded by Deadline' Do you think Patrik Laine will play more than 40 games with the Canadiens this season? | ||
| Yes | 247 | 72.9 % |
| No | 92 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||