Habs Daily: Laine’s Return To Columbus, Evans’ Form, Hutson

The Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Monday.

Before we get going, I’d like to extend a merry Christmas and happy holidays to our great community of Habs fans. We would be nowhere near as popular as we’ve become if not for the fantastic support from all of you.

It means the world to us, and we’re incredibly thankful to be part of this passionate community.

Montreal Canadiens News

Patrik Laine ruffled some feathers upon his return to Ohio. The 26-year-old forward mentioned he was sick of losing, which is understandable, as athletes thrive on success.

“It’s great to see some of the (Columbus Blue Jackets) fanbase to see me happy. For the other ones, I don’t really care…”

– Patrik Laine today pic.twitter.com/xspQKd9XNS

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 23, 2024

His comments drew the ire of the Blue Jackets, who clearly went out of their way to punish Laine with as much physicality as possible in the first period of Monday’s game. All things considered, their response was also understandable, as you never want to hear former teammates suggest the team is highly flawed. That being said, the Blue Jackets are clearly a flawed organization, that much is undeniable.

#CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski did not hold back when asked about Laine’s comments earlier in the day:

“It’s unfortunate … For him to bash us like that, I think it’s just unacceptable.”

“We were nothing but good teammates to him. For him to come in and say that is bullshit.…

— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 24, 2024

For what it’s worth, Don Waddell, Columbus’ general manager, also suggested the level of acceptance regarding the losing seasons in Ohio was not acceptable.

#cbj players: it’s time to headhunt your GM! pic.twitter.com/12yfBOAHp0

— HFTV (@HFTVSports) December 24, 2024

While we’re on the Laine topic, he was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week thanks to his excellent powerplay production. As for his injury against Columbus, no update has been provided as to the severity.

Cale Makar (@Avalanche), William Nylander (@MapleLeafs) and Patrik Laine (@CanadiensMTL) have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending Dec. 22. https://t.co/g7zqnih7FQ pic.twitter.com/3inog4EtPG

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 23, 2024

Newcomer Alexandre Carrier shared a great story that isn’t quite on par with The Hockey Sweater, but isn’t that far off, either.

Alexandre Carrier shared a wholesome story in a radio interview after the game on Saturday:

When he was a kid, his brother won a contest to practice with the MTL Canadiens. Alex couldn’t go since he was too young. So his mom bought him a Habs jersey as compensation. When Alex… pic.twitter.com/HeQugv6DPd

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 23, 2024

Jake Evans enters the holidays on an absolute tear. He has goals in three consecutive games, and has been the lynch pin to the fourth line’s great play over the last stretch, which has allowed the team to bank a few wins when they needed it most. Lane Hutson also provided a goal on Monday, which pushes his season totals to 26 points in 34 games, good enough for 10th overall in the NHL in defenceman scoring. [Habs Highlights: Evans On Fire, Hutson Surging, Laine Injury]