As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in an interesting position with forward Patrik Laine. Acquired by the Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets in August 2024 for defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round pick, Laine's tenure in Montreal has been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with injury setbacks and inconsistency. Now, just ahead of the trade deadline, Laine's name has surfaced in trade rumors, making him a potential low-risk addition for teams seeking scoring depth.
Laine's time with the Canadiens has been underwhelming, with 34 points (20 goals, 14 assists) in 57 games across two seasons. This season has been particularly challenging; Laine has been limited to only five games due to a core muscle injury requiring surgery and has recorded just one assist with a plus-minus rating of -3. He has been out since October 16th and is expected to return after the Olympic Break. Despite these setbacks, the Canadiens are reportedly open to trading Laine, with some reports suggesting they are willing to retain a significant portion (up to 50%) of his $8.7 million cap hit to facilitate a deal.
Several factors contribute to the narrative that Laine represents a low-risk acquisition. First, his potential offensive upside remains undeniable. Laine is a proven goal-scorer with a history of potting 30+ goals in a season. A change of scenery and a fresh opportunity could reignite his scoring touch. Second, with the Canadiens seemingly willing to retain salary, Laine's cap hit could be significantly reduced, making him a more affordable option for teams with limited cap space. Third, Laine's contract expires at the end of the season, meaning that a acquiring team would not be encumbered by a long-term commitment. This provides flexibility and minimizes long-term risk.
However, there are risks associated with acquiring Laine. His injury history is a concern, as is his consistency. There are also questions about where he fits in the Canadiens' lineup. Any team trading for Laine would need to assess his medical condition thoroughly and determine if he can contribute effectively down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Several teams could be potential suitors for Laine. The Edmonton Oilers have been mentioned as a possible destination, with a potential swap involving forward Andrew Mangiapane being discussed. The Calgary Flames have also been cited as a team that might take a chance on Laine. Ultimately, the level of interest in Laine will depend on how teams weigh his potential upside against the risks.
The Canadiens' willingness to retain salary on Laine's contract suggests they are motivated to move him, potentially to clear cap space for other acquisitions. According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, the Canadiens "don't have an obvious spot for him in the lineup and seem inclined to move off his contract in order to clear cap room needed for other moves". Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet noted that Montreal is looking to move out his money and might be willing to spend an asset to do that.
As the trade deadline nears, Patrik Laine remains a player to watch. His blend of scoring potential, coupled with the possibility of a reduced cap hit, makes him an intriguing, low-risk option for teams seeking to bolster their offensive firepower for a playoff push.