NHL: Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets - Source: Imagn — Montreal Canadiens projected lineup: Updates lines Patrik Laine trade (IMAGN)

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup: Updated lines after Patrik Laine trade

Modified Aug 20, 2024 01:44 GMT

With Patrik Laine now a member of the Montreal Canadiens, the speculation is just beginning about his spot in the Habs’ lineup.

There is no doubt that Laine has the talent to be a top-six forward on any NHL team. But given his track record, there is some doubt as to where Laine could slide into the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup.

Daily Faceoff projects Laine on the right side of the Habs’ second line with Kirby Dach at center and Alex Newhook on the left side.

This placement makes sense. While Laine could be on Montreal’s top line, the right-wing spot is currently held by Cole Caufield. As such, moving Caufield off the top, at this point, would be counterproductive.

In particular, the main point is to take pressure off Laine. Thus, inserting him into the second line allows Laine to ease into the Habs’ system without the pressure of having to perform on the team’s top line.

However, an argument could also be made to start Laine on the Habs’ third line with Christian Dvorak at center and Joshua Roy on the left side. Placing Laine on the third line would not be a demotion.

Instead, putting Laine in the bottom six is merely a move designed to allow Laine to transition after essentially missing all of last season. It’s important to keep in mind that Laine is looking to hit the reset button.

Could Laine play on the Montreal Canadiens’ top line?

As stated earlier, placing Laine on the Montreal Canadiens’ top line would mean moving Caufield down to the second line. While that move would be unreasonable at this point, it could become a topic of conversation down the line.

Specifically, if Laine has a resurgent season, the Habs may consider trying Laine with Nick Suzuki. Suzuki is an elite playmaker, while Laine is a top-end finisher. Such a combination could bode well for the Canadiens.

Now, there’s one other angle to consider. Daily Faceoff projects the Montreal Canadiens’ top power play unit as Laine, Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Caufield, and Mike Matheson on the point.

This power play unit has the potential to become a highly dangerous one, especially if Suzuki, and elite playmaker, can click with Laine and Caufield.

Overall, Laine adds a wealth of speed and agility to the Montreal Canadiens lineup. If Laine can return to form, playing with Dach and a hard-hitting Newhook could make Montreal a tough team to play against this upcoming season.

While there are holes to fill in the Habs’ lineup, the addition of Laine could be a significant difference-maker, potentially catapulting the Habs into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.