Laine taking Pp1 reps
Patrik Laine was acquired because of his reputation for a howitzer shot and great offensive skills. So his promotion to power play one isn't too surprising.
The Montreal Canadiens power play took significant strides in 2023-24, and with the club's newest addition, it just might take another step.
It seemed imminent that an announcement about Patrik Laine joining the Habs top power play unit would be announced. Recently news broke from the Canadiens' early on-ice sessions with Laine slotting onto the top brigade. Not only is that big news for the top unit, but the second unit will get Alex Newhook and some other solid options to balance out the offensive attack.
That will also include Lane Hutson, who would be most exciting to watch taking first-unit reps, but Mike Matheson will assume the role for the time being. Any way you cut it, it is great news for the Canadiens if they have a great five-man unit to ice, and still good players for the second unit. The likes of Kirby Dach, Joshua Roy, Newhook and Hutson are in the mix and maybe Brendan Gallagher or Joel Armia.
But that first unit, wow!
Let's focus on that top unit, though, that is lethal with Cole Caufield and Patrik Laine on their off-wing. Nick Suzuki on his strong side, with Juraj Slafkovsky on the half-wall and Mike Matheson on the blue line. There are so many one-touch shot options, and Suzuki, and Matheson are also shooting threats.
There was already lots of optimism heading into the season, but adding Laine to the current lineup is sure to have some massive effects. With a rejuvenated Laine, who is hoping to score the way he is used to, the Habs playoff hopes might not be so out of reach. I would like to see Hutson running things from the top - there is a fair chance that he would etch his name on the Calder Trophy, and set up a whole lot of Laine and Caufield's power play tallies.
Regardless, the unit looks incredible and there should be plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the season. Right at the top will be the success of Laine and how he integrates into the team and their vision. I suspect much of his success will be seen, primarily on the power play - where he can devastate goalies with his heavy shot.