The pressure continues to mount for Patrik Laine as his stint with the Montreal Canadiens takes another troubling turn. During this morning’s practice at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, the Finnish forward was seen skating on the fourth line, alongside Jake Evans and Josh Anderson — a clear demotion that raises serious questions about his role heading into the 2025–26 season.
The news, first reported by Anthony Martineau, also confirmed that Zachary Bolduc has reclaimed his spot on the third line, skating with Kirby Dach and Brendan Gallagher. Bolduc’s return, noted by Renaud Lavoie, adds another layer of competition to a lineup that’s still taking shape.
“Patrik Laine is training with Evans and Anderson on the fourth line. Bolduc-Dach-Gallagher on the 3rd.” — Anthony Martineau “Zachary Bolduc is on the ice in Brossard.” — Renaud Lavoie
Laine, once known for his blistering shot and offensive flair, appears to be losing the confidence of head coach Martin St. Louis. While some insiders suggest this could be a temporary experiment ahead of the season opener, others interpret it as a message — and not a subtle one. Questions about Laine’s effort level and consistency have followed him since arriving in Montreal, and today’s lineup shift only amplifies those concerns.
The Canadiens are entering a pivotal season, and St. Louis has made it clear that intensity and accountability will define his roster decisions. For Laine, the time to prove himself is now. If he fails to respond with urgency and impact, his season could be defined not by goals, but by missed opportunities.
As the Canadiens prepare for their final preseason tune-ups, all eyes will be on Laine — not just for what he does on the ice, but for how he responds to this challenge.