All questions and answers have been edited for clarity.
Newly acquired forward Patrik Laine spoke with members of the Montreal media Monday, following his trade to the Canadiens. The following is a transcribed text from the questions and answers period:
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Q: Why do you think that Montreal could be the team to offer you a good opportunity to become the player that you were in Winnipeg?
A: I kind of lived that in Winnipeg; how crazy hockey is in Canada. And now obviously going to Montreal will be even crazier.
So I think they have a good thing going. I see a great organization, a new, really good head coach, and a lot of young talent. I feel like I’m at that point in my career where, you know, I can kind of guide these young guys. Hopefully, I’ll be helpful in the locker room and, on the ice, bring my expertise. So that’s kind of kind of my goal right now.
Q: Kent Hughes told us a few minutes ago that you were part of the meeting with him, Jeff Gorton and Martin St-Louis. What was your first feeling after this meeting with your new coach?
A: I haven’t really talked to him yet, but everything I’ve heard about it has been it’s been all positive.
Everybody knows what he did in this league as a player. So he kind of knows how things go. And the way I’ve heard of him as a coach… The guys like him and I like the way they play. So I’m super excited to get to know him more and get to know how the Canadians are playing. And jump in and try to do my thing and help the team as much as I can.
Q: What have you learned about yourself over the last year that can apply to you taking advantage of the opportunity in front of you?
A: It’s not a secret that it’s been it’s been a little tough on and off the ice lately. I learned things about myself, and how to handle certain situations.
There’s always going to be stuff that’s that’s happening to you. You know, a lot of adversity and a lot of good things, but how to handle that, I always wasn’t the best at doing that.
But I feel like now it’s how to navigate through them, how to handle them as the glass half full or half empty. Looking at things with a more positive perspective these days. I feel like I’m in a good place. And obviously couldn’t be more excited with the news from today.
Q: You come with the reputation of being able to score goals. Are there other elements to your game that will help build you into a more complete player?
A: People always see me as just a goal scorer. But I know myself. I know I’m a really good playmaker. I know I can play hard. I can be hard to play against. So now it’s just putting all those things together and maturing as well. Not only looking at the score sheet but trying to find different ways to help the team win.
Q: With your meetings with Kent Hughes, what impressed you most about him that maybe helped convince you that Montreal would be a good spot for you?
A: He seemed like a super nice guy. I mean, I don’t think there was much to be said in that sense that I needed convincing to come to Montreal.
I’ve played in Canada before, and I loved every minute of it. I miss being back there where, you know, hockey is the number one thing.
People genuinely care about the team and the players. I didn’t need too much convincing. I really wanted to go to Montreal. For some people, it might not be the easiest place to go. But, I’ve always liked being in the in the spotlight on the ice. I feel like when there’s a lot of pressure, in those times I’ve usually been at my best.
Q: Was it difficult in some ways playing in Columbus, a market that’s not big on hockey? Was that was was that an adjustment? And do you feel you have something to prove that I’m going to go to Montreal?
A: I wouldn’t say it was hard. I mean, even in Columbus, people still care, you know.
In the States, there’s more than just hockey. But I feel like Montreal, hockey’s the number one thing.
Q: Do you believe that next season you can come back as a 30-goal scorer and maybe even more?
A: I don’t want to come back as a 30-goal scorer. I want to come back as a 40, 50-goal scorer.
I want to come in and do whatever it takes to contribute to the team to help them win, whether it’s me scoring 50 or scoring 20 goals, as long as the team wins. I’m not 19 years old anymore. So I just I just want to win.
Q: You had surgery on your shoulder. Where are you on that front?
A: I had a little operation earlier, but feels great. I’ve been cleared to skate and have been skating now. I’m ripping the puck. So no problem there.
Q: Is there a particular Montreal Canadiens moment or tradition that you’re looking forward to?
A: It’s one of the most famous hockey arenas with the most history. So I’m going to be super, super excited about that. Skating in front of the fans for the first time.
And then, I don’t know, probably just having Saku Koivu as the captain. He was well-respected and liked. Hopefully, I can follow up. I don’t know if I’ll be as good as him, but I’ll try.
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