The Montreal Canadiens are on the brink of a major decision that could reshape their future, and it’s one that’s bound to stir up emotions among fans: Patrik Laine’s days in Montreal are likely numbered, and the Olympics might be his final curtain call before a trade. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Laine’s talent is undeniable, his hefty contract and recent injury struggles have left the Canadiens in a tight spot. Will they find a trade partner willing to take a chance on him, or will they be forced to absorb a significant financial hit? Let’s dive into the details.
For weeks, Laine has been a regular sight at Canadiens practices, working his way back from core muscle surgery. Yet, despite his efforts, the prevailing belief is that even if he’s medically cleared post-Olympics, his return won’t be in a Canadiens jersey. In a recent Sportsnet article, Eric Engels all but confirmed this, suggesting Laine’s post-Olympic action would likely be with another team. This strongly implies that trade talks are either underway or imminent.
But here’s the catch: Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit and $9.1 million salary are major stumbling blocks. While his 26-goal, 56-point season with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020-21 showcased his potential, injuries have since limited him to just 75 games since the start of the 2023-24 season—a mere 33.9% of possible contests. Even last season, while he scored 20 goals for the Canadiens, 15 of those came on the power play, raising questions about his even-strength effectiveness.
And this is the part most people miss—despite his struggles, Laine’s talent still holds value, especially for teams desperate for offense. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, New York Islanders, and Los Angeles Kings are all vying for playoff spots but averaging fewer than three goals per game. However, the Red Wings and Kraken might hesitate, given their already strong power plays, and the Kings have pinned their hopes on Artemi Panarin. That leaves the Islanders, who are 30th in power-play percentage and could use a boost.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Would the Canadiens consider swapping Laine for an expiring asset like Jean-Gabriel Pageau? Pageau’s secondary scoring ability could deepen Montreal’s center depth, making it easier for them to retain part of Laine’s salary and attach a draft pick to sweeten the deal. The Islanders’ cap flexibility could limit Montreal’s financial burden, but the bigger question remains—how would Laine fit into Patrick Roy’s demanding system? Given Roy’s zero-tolerance policy for lapses in effort, as seen in his past disputes with players like Anthony Duclair, Laine’s perceived work ethic could be a deal-breaker.
So, what do you think? Is Laine worth the risk for a team like the Islanders, or should the Canadiens cut their losses and move on? Let us know in the comments—this is one trade saga that’s sure to spark debate.
