Patrik Laine’s Return: Building Chemistry with Dach and Newhook in Montreal
The buzz around Montreal Canadiens' training camp this year centers on a trio that could redefine their secondary line. Patrik Laine, recently acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets, is back on the ice after a long hiatus. Paired with Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, the group is working hard to build chemistry ahead of the new season. Canadiens’ head coach Martin St. Louis emphasizes patience, as both Laine and Dach return from significant injuries.
Laine, a towering six-foot-five winger, hasn’t played since December 2023 after suffering a broken clavicle. To make matters more challenging, he took time away from the game for mental health reasons, entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program earlier this year. Now cleared to play, Laine is eager to get back to his goal-scoring form, which once saw him net 44 goals in a single season.
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Kirby Dach, also towering at six-foot-four, has had his share of setbacks as well. His 2023-24 season ended just four periods in after tearing his ACL and MCL. Now returning to the ice, Dach is excited to line up with Laine and Newhook, both of whom bring a unique blend of skill and speed. The line will likely serve as a powerful backup to Montreal’s top trio of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky.
In their early scrimmages, the line showed moments of promise but also clear rust. Laine’s turnover led to a quick goal from Team Red’s Joel Armia, showing that there is still work to be done. But with Laine’s blistering shot, Dach’s puck-carrying skills, and Newhook’s speed, the potential for this line to click is high. St. Louis sees great elements that could eventually mesh, provided they get the necessary reps.
Laine has his sights set high, hoping to return to his 40- or even 50-goal form. His linemates are confident in his ability, with Dach calling him a “world-class shooter.” The key now is time and patience, as they shake off the rust and learn to complement each other’s strengths. St. Louis knows the pressure is on, but he’s determined to let the line develop naturally, managing expectations day by day.
This chemistry-building trio represents a significant opportunity for the Canadiens to boost their secondary scoring, something that was sorely lacking last season. With the right mix of patience, practice, and perseverance, this second line could become a formidable force, ready to challenge opponents in the upcoming NHL season.
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