Montreal Canadiens right wing Patrik Laine (92) skates against the Florida Panthers in the second period at Bell Centre.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Patrik Laine is receiving a significant financial bonus from the Montreal Canadiens today despite remaining out of the lineup for weeks.

Laine is officially receiving a $2 million bonus today.

The Montreal Canadiens forward is cashing in on this major payment while watching the action from the stands for weeks now.

It’s quite unusual, to say the least!

Laine has long been medically cleared to return to play, but it appears Martin St-Louis no longer wants him in the lineup—for good.

St-Louis has chosen to rely on other players and continues to keep number 92 on injured reserve and out of the lineup.

This approach clearly shows that the player is no longer part of the team’s plans.

Paying a bonus of this size to a player who isn’t playing is always quite unusual, let’s put it that way.

It’s fair to say that Patrik Laine will not play again for the Montreal Canadiens

Management worked hard to find him a new destination, but this situation could resolve itself naturally on July 1.

At the most recent trade deadline, opposing teams refused to take on that financial burden without a very strong incentive in return. And that was partly due to the bonus paid today.

For now, Laine must remain patient and maintain his conditioning as he awaits a new opportunity elsewhere in the NHL.

Laine clearly wants the chance to revive his professional career in a new environment, so this will likely happen this summer.

Patrik Laine, 27, has recorded 1 point in 5 games this season. We’re talking about a 6-foot-5 forward who was a first-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2016.

“Patrik Laine will receive a $2 million USD bonus”

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Patrik Laine receives a major bonus from the Canadiens while still out of the lineup

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