Patrik Laine was spotted skating in Brossard

This is, of course, interesting news.

The forward has the qualities to help the Canadiens – everyone knows that – and even if he hasn’t had a great start to the season, adding him to the Montreal line-up could help on certain levels.

Especially on the power play. We know how dangerous the Finn can be with the man advantage, after all…

If Laine finds his form and is ready to return to action soon, we have to ask ourselves a specific question: who comes out of the lineup?

I’m really wondering because things are going well for the Canadiens at the moment. There are no passengers on the team, and the support players are doing their jobs well too. Laine’s return could complicate things…

That said, just because he’s started skating again doesn’t mean he’ll be ready to play next week. He’s going to have to go through a few practices before he can get back in the game, and that’s not going to happen with a snap of the fingers either.

Remember: he hasn’t played since October 16. It could be some time before he’s back to 100% fitness…

In the videos of him, we see him with a member of the Canadiens organization and he’s not skating his heart out, either:

That remains to be seen.

But knowing he’s back on the ice two and a half months after surgery is a good sign too. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s a good step forward in his rehabilitation.

Stay tuned.

Overtime

– Nice list.

– Sick.

– Tonight’s the night!