Patrik Laine shares private conversation with therapist about anxiety in Habs’ debut

Patrik Laine got a hero’s welcome from the Montreal Canadiens’ faithfuls during Tuesday’s victory over the New York Islanders. The superstar made his long-awaited regular-season debut after spraining his knee in an exhibition game in September and managed to record a goal in the 2-1 victory.

Scoring on the power-play, Laine also logged two shots, two hits, and a block in the contest. Fans were more than happy to show him the love when his name was announced over the PA system.

However after the game in the dressing room, Laine admitted that while the ovation was “the coolest thing” he’s ever seen, he also shared how nervous he had felt before the game and how he needed to discuss it with his therapist.

“I talked with my therapist about this when I was a little nervous yesterday, and I just decided putting this jersey on today is an achievement after everything,” Laine said. “Everything that comes after that is a plus.”

Laine was acquired by the Canadiens in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19 along with a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for defenseman Jordan Harris. Before the transaction, Laine had entered the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Player Assistance Program in January and has since spoken more openly about the importance to maintaining his mental health. He and his fiancée Jordan Leigh launched their new initiative called “From Us To You” in the summer to promote mental health and help others facing similar challenges.

The move to Montreal is a fresh start for Laine, and it’s just a great feeling to see him have an impressive performance in his first game with the Canadiens.