Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens will be looking to build on a satisfying campaign when the puck drops in the 2025-26 NHL season. However, they know that not everyone may have high expectations for them next year.
But far from letting their doubters affect the locker room’s morale, Laine and the Canadiens will use that as fuel to prove the skeptics wrong. In fact, the Finnish star only needed nine words to put his critics on notice.
“Those who bet against me will lose their money,” were the nine words used by Laine. His comment was heard in the trailer of season 2 of The Rebuild: Inside the Montreal Canadiens, which will release August 21 on Crave.
A promising year for Laine and Montreal
It’s safe to say Laine and the Canadiens overachieved in the 2024-25 NHL season, even if they couldn’t make it past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their mere postseason appearance exceeded expectations.
While losing to Alex Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals in five games hurt, the Habs’ didn’t lose sight of the big picture. When many thought their rebuild would take years, last season proved they could be ready to contend sooner than predicted.
That’s why it shouldn’t be a surprise to see the front office make moves to try and put the team in a position to succeed fast. According to reports, the Canadiens are set to part ways with one of three key teammates for Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson.
Laine ready to prove Canadiens his worth in contract year
Meanwhile, Laine believes in what he can bring to the table. The message of self-confidence shown in the trailer reflects how highly he thinks of his potential. And the timing is interesting, considering he’s entering a contract year with the Habs.
At 27, Laine is in the final season of a four-year, $34,800,000 deal originally signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2022. When the Canadiens traded for the Finn in August 2024, they inherited that deal.
SURVEY How far will Laine lead the Habs next year?
How far will Laine lead the Habs next year?
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Now, it’s up to Laine to prove Montreal he’s worth a new deal, perhaps with a pay raise. Based on the nine-word warning to his doubters, it’s safe to say Laine believes his current AAV of $8,700,000 could see an increase after the 2025-26 season.