As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly willing to retain a significant portion of Patrik Laine's salary to facilitate a trade, potentially up to 50%. This development has reignited trade talks surrounding the Finnish forward, with the Edmonton Oilers emerging as a potential suitor.

Laine, 27, carries a $8.7 million cap hit, and retaining half of that salary would make him a more attractive acquisition for teams looking for scoring depth without crippling their cap space. The Canadiens' willingness to retain salary indicates a desire to move Laine's contract off their books, potentially to open up cap space for other acquisitions or address different needs within the team.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos initially reported that Montreal is looking to shed Laine's salary and might be willing to include an asset to make the deal happen. Kypreos noted the Canadiens have not used any salary retention slots and Laine's contract expires at the end of the season, making him an attractive expiring contract for potential buyers.

Laine's time in Montreal has been underwhelming, as he has struggled to replicate the offensive production he displayed earlier in his career with the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets. In 57 games over two seasons with the Canadiens, he has recorded 34 points (20 goals and 14 assists) and a -17 plus/minus rating. This season, he has been limited to just five games due to a core muscle injury that required surgery, posting only one assist and a -3 rating. He is expected to return after the Olympic break.

One potential trade scenario involves the Canadiens sending Laine to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Andrew Mangiapane. However, both players have some form of a no-trade clause, with Laine having a ten-team no-trade list, which could complicate negotiations. Mangiapane has a $3.6 million cap hit and has 12 points (6 goals and 6 assists) in 47 games this season.

While the Oilers have been linked to Laine, it remains to be seen if they are willing to meet Montreal's asking price, even with the Canadiens willing to retain salary. Other teams may also express interest in Laine as the trade deadline nears, creating a market for the Canadiens' underperforming forward.