"Trade for Elias Pettersson" "Somthin smell fishy": NHL fans react to Canadiens’ Patrik Laine not traveling with team for game vs. Capitals

The Montreal Canadiens announced Patrik Laine will not travel for Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals. Laine is out due to illness and will miss his fourth straight game. He could return Saturday when the Canadiens face the Dallas Stars at home.

The team shared the update on X on Thursday, stating:

"Patrik Laine will not travel to Washington."

Laine has been a strong performer this season, scoring all eight of his goals on the power play in just 13 games.

Fans reacted to the news on X, sharing their opinions.

"Somthin smell fishy here," One fan wrote.

"Trade for Elias Pettersson." another fan suggested.

"Just say he’s injured already. Thought we got better medical staff." a fan said.

Here are some more fans reacting to the news on X:

"It's crazy how many fans are doctors and can diagnose Laine's illness. Woooooow. Hey the last 3 years we had injuries galore and maybe with the new medical staff and therepists aren't throwing back players on the ice to get re-injured or contaminate the whole team" a fan wrote.

"f he has the same flu as I have here in Montreal…. I have been sick for two weeks…. Lungs… drippy nose…. Headache…." another fan wrote.

"Are you guys kiddin me ! Flu like symptoms and miss 4 games ! What a joke! Absolutely pathetic as a professional athlete!! Need him on the ice not sitting on his couch!" one fan shared.

Laine’s absence is a challenge for the Canadiens, who rely on his power-play skills. Fans hope he recovers soon and rejoins the lineup. The team will face a tough task against Washington without him.

Patrik Laine's health issues this NHL 2024-25 season

Patrik Laine has missed three games since Dec. 31 due to flu-like symptoms. He skated in practice the past two days but will not travel with the team and will miss his fourth straight.

This season, Laine has scored eight goals and two assists in 13 games. But defensively he has struggled with a plus-minus rating of -5. He has been a key player for the Canadiens, especially on the power play.

Laine started the NHL season late because of a knee sprain. He missed nearly two months due to the injury. He joined the team on Dec. 3.

Michael Pezzetta has played in Laine’s place. Pezzetta has had limited ice time but contributed with three shots and nine hits over the past three games. Fans are hoping Laine will return soon.