Laine 'happier than ever,' ready to embrace Montreal 'spotlight'

After a tough couple of seasons on and off the ice, Patrik Laine is ready to use what he's learned about himself to help guide his new chapter with the Montreal Canadiens.

"I think, most importantly, it's been just about Patty as a person more than Patty the hockey player," he told reporters Monday. "One thing I've noticed is that, when you're not enjoying whatever you do, you're probably not gonna be able to perform, and that's kind of where I've been at."

He added, "Now, I'm happier than ever off the ice. I've done a lot of work on myself to get me back to this point where I'm actually super excited about playing."

Laine spent most of the 2023-24 campaign in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, citing his mental health as the reason for his absence.

The 26-year-old requested a trade from Columbus after spending four seasons with the Blue Jackets. General manager Don Waddell pulled the trigger on Monday, sending Laine and a 2026 second-round pick to Montreal for defenseman Jordan Harris.

Laine began his career in Winnipeg after being drafted by the Jets in 2016, and the Finn is looking forward to being back north of the border.

"I don't think there was much to be said in that sense that I needed convincing to come to Montreal," he said. "It's the biggest hockey market there is. I've played in Canada before, and I loved every minute of it. I miss being back there, where hockey is the No. 1 thing."

He continued, "For some people, it might not be the easiest place to go, but I've always liked being in the spotlight on the ice, and I feel like when there's a lot of pressure, I feel like in those times I've usually always been at my best. I'm (welcoming) the challenge with open arms."

Laine strung together three straight 30-goal seasons in Winnipeg, including a 44-goal effort in 2017-18. He's aiming to reach new heights in Montreal.

"I don't want to come back as a 30-goal-scorer," he said. "I want to come back as a 40-, 50-(goal-scorer). I've done that previously, and it's not by accident."

Laine unveiled his mental health initiative, "From Us To You," in August. He said he's now better equipped to handle negativity, which he knows will serve him well in a tough market.

"Passion is a great thing," he said. "When we're not playing great, I'm sure it's a lot of negativity, but I feel like it's only because people care. ... I know people want us to win, and people want us to get better, and that's what we're trying to do every single day."