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Could Patrik Laine return to Winnipeg this summer?
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Photo credit: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Evan Waldner
Jun 4, 2026, 19:40 EDTUpdated: Jun 4, 2026, 19:41 EDT
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It was a season to forget for former Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine.
Laine played just five games this season with the Montreal Canadiens before undergoing surgery in late October to repair a core muscle injury. At the time, the Canadiens announced he would be out for three to four months and placed him on injured reserve. He remained on injured reserve for the rest of the season and playoffs despite practising in a full-contact jersey since January.
During Montreal’s exit interviews, Laine was asked whether he was still injured at the end of the season, and his answer was simple: “No.”
The Finland native later confirmed that Montreal’s medical staff had given him the green light to return, though he couldn’t recall exactly when that happened.
“I don’t remember when, exactly. But I did get a green light, yes. I don’t remember the exact date, might have to check my calendar on that.”
Now, the 28-year-old’s tenure with the Canadiens has come to an end as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, meaning he’ll be looking for a new opportunity.
There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t see someone on X talking about a potential reunion between the former second-overall pick and the team that drafted him in 2016. Is it possible? Absolutely. But is it a good idea?
Looking at Laine’s statistics, it’s easy to see where the drop-off in production began. After being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside Jack Roslovic in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois in January 2021, Laine managed just 21 points in 45 games during the 2020-21 season. However, he rebounded with at least 50 points in each of the next two seasons, suggesting he may have been rediscovering the form he showed in Winnipeg. Unfortunately, things began to unravel the following year.
Laine was limited to just 18 games in 2023-24 after suffering a broken clavicle in mid-December. He later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to focus on his mental health before being cleared to return months later.
Another fresh start appeared to be on the horizon after he requested a trade out of Columbus and was dealt to Montreal ahead of the 2024-25 season. Things initially looked promising before another injury struck. Laine suffered a scary knee-on-knee collision during a pre-season game, sidelining him until December when he finally made his Canadiens debut.
He went on to play 52 games with Montreal, recording 33 points while adding an assist in two playoff appearances. Laine still proved dangerous on the power play, scoring 14 of his 20 goals with the man advantage.
There is still potential in Laine’s game. At just 28 years old, he should have plenty of hockey left in him. However, his injury history and recent struggles could make teams hesitant to hand him a significant opportunity.
In my eyes, if the Jets consider bringing him back, it would be another experiment, similar to Gustav Nyquist, which didn’t work out as hoped, or Jonathan Toews, who improved as the season went on. Laine’s offensive upside is still there, particularly on the power play, an area the Jets desperately need to improve if they want to take the next step.
We’ll see whether the Jets or another team are willing to take a chance on Laine when free agency opens.

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