Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine opens up on the two NHL opponents he hates facing the most

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Tom Banks
September 18, 2024 (12:50)

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Patrik Laine is getting his first taste of the media in Montreal, and in an interview, he's opened up on the two players he hates facing more than any others.

This off-season was filled with speculation that Patrik Laine would be traded from Columbus, and eventually, he was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens in a deal that pairs him with talented young center and captain Nick Suzuki. He hasn't been in Montreal long, but according to all reports, it appears he's fitting in very well, with the 26-year old revealing he is looking forward to the role of a veteran for this very young team.

"I think we will have a pretty dangerous group on the ice," he mentioned enthusiastically. "It's a bit weird to be one of the oldest players even though I'm only 26. I've been in the league for a long time and have seen and experienced a lot. I hope to be able to share my knowledge with the young players and help them in certain situations."

However, the most intriguing thing to come out of his first interview was when he was asked which player in the NHL he hates playing the most, with Laine going for an Atlantic Division rival in Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman.

"I would say Victor Hedman just because of how good he is. He's so fast, so big, so strong, and so good with his stick. He's a nightmare to play against."

He wasn't done though, as Laine also, unsurprisingly, name dropped Connor McDavid, as most opponents would agree he's the toughest player to face in the entire league.

"There's also obviously Connor McDavid. There's nothing you can do against him! When he picks up the puck in his zone, all you can do is pray that he doesn't go and score!"

With a top-six that includes Suzuki, Laine, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens have plenty of optimism heading into 2024/25, and if Laine can be the star he was in Winnipeg, this team has a chance at a Stanley Cup Playoffs push. Fortunately for Laine, he'll play just five times against Hedman and McDavid in 2024/25, and with so much young talent around him, the 26-year old has the opportunity to once again establish himself as a top star in the league.