Montreal Canadiens recently made headlines on Monday Afternoon—August 19, 2024, when they announced the Patrick Laine trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. With the talented scorer in the lineup, the Montreal Canadiens are set to have one of the most powerful power plays in the league. Even better, Laine’s arrival is definitely going to raise the morale around the dressing room if Nick Suzuki’s elated comments are anything to go by. 

The Most Important Trade for the Canadiens?

The Canadiens may have pulled off one of the most exciting trades of the league thus far. It is a trade that is sure to make an impression on NHL fans across the board. Moments like these rank among the iconic owing to the impact they make. The excitement around the trade is akin to news of Canada playing host to the FIFA World Cup, alongside Mexico and the US, with the Toronto FIFA match being the first-ever in the country, giving Canadian football untold credibility and visibility in the footballing world. With the Habs having struggled to reach the playoffs since 2021, it will be interesting to see just how much of an impact Laine has on performance. 

The Habs’ Power Play Options

Laine joining the team could be the turning point for Le Grand Club’s power play. Recently, the Canadiens have faced an uphill task regarding consistency and effectiveness in their power play. And this comes with acknowledging that the Montreal Canadiens have failed to make the playoffs since 2021. However, there’s hope! With Laine’s addition to the lineup and impact by the numbers (44 Career Power Play Goals and elite-level accuracy) matched up with Suzuki’s playmaking abilities and Caufield’s precision finish, the Habs’ power play playbook just got a new lease.

Lots of Power Play Strategies to Explore

With the Canadiens now bubbling with a roster of talent, Martin St. Louis and his coaching staff will have excellent power plays (PP) to explore—we’d reckon the Opps won’t know what hit them! So, what are the potential plays?

• The 1-3-1’s Classic: For the 1-3-1, Laine could stick on his off-wing, ready to fire away, while Suzuki takes point and orchestrates the attack. Caulfield would lurk in the slot, pouncing on rebounds and loose pucks. Factor in Laine’s cataclysmic firepower; this PP could become an absolute nightmare for opposing teams.
• The Umbrella (Upgraded): Picture this, with Laine at the top, as he presents a constant threat, whether shooting or passing. A quick puck pass could easily open up the slot wide for a Caufield’s tap-in. This PP formation could be key in exploiting Laine’s playmaking abilities and opening opportunities for a penalty kill. 
• Overload Mayhem (The Trifecta): As for the overload, stacking three guys on one side is bound to cause chaos and confusion. Laine’s ever-unfailing shot would be the killer blow that sends the Bell Center into a frenzy. Playing the overload, the Canadiens will create a mismatch that sends opponents scrambling to cover, opening themselves up for quick one-timers. 

Chemistry and Execution Key Factors to Success 

Talent and individual brilliance aside, simpatico among the various talents will be the most important factor in a successful powerplay. The importance of team chemistry when the players hit the ice cannot be understated. Even though we know what Laine and other talents on the team can do on their own, they will need the sentience of a hive mind for the right execution. It will take practice and experimentation to achieve it and adapt as the season unfolds. 

Habs Nation, Let’s Go!

If the current lineup is anything to go by, the upcoming season promises lots of action. Laine’s addition presents lots of power play (PP) options that could even upend Canada’s Stanley Cup drought. With the Canadien Laine era set to kick off, we could see one of the biggest turnarounds in NHL history, and we are here for it.