Habs should target Patrik Laine in a trade near the draft, according to a popular observer

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Jeff Drouin
April 21, 2022 (9:12)

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As the 2021-2022 NHL season draws to a close, many informants are offering their analysis of what has been a sadly historic season for the Habs. Not only will the team miss the playoffs, but they will finish among the worst teams in the league this year.

The only consolation for fans is that the Habs will be talking very early in the next NHL draft, which will be held at the Bell Centre next summer.

If some experts are going to analyze the season, others are going to speculate about the next season by asking the following question: what will the Canadiens' lineup look like for the 2022-2023 season?

That's the question Marc-Olivier Beaudoin of Danslescoulisses.com tried to answer when asked about the upcoming season.

When asked who could complete the trio of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield next year, Beaudoin made a very interesting suggestion regarding a renowned NHL left winger, namely Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Finnish forward is having a very good season with 56 points, including 26 goals, in as many games this year, but it's his status as a free agent with compensation that intrigues Beaudoin.

Laine would have to receive a qualifying offer of more than $7.5 million and the Blue Jackets may not be able to offer him. They have a lot of good kids growing up and the rebuild is going well there. So without saying that this is the kind of deal they are looking to make, the tipster wouldn't be surprised if he is traded if the offer is good.

Okay, I'll say it again here that we're speculating, but you have to admit that the idea of having a natural scorer to complement Suzuki and Caufield could give the Habs a potentially dangerous first line. With his 6-foot-5, 216-pound frame, his two much smaller linemates would have plenty of room on the ice.

However, with a salary of at least $7.5 million per season, the Canadiens' management will have to be creative to integrate the Finnish forward into the lineup. In any case, it is likely that the price to acquire him will be very high.

I repeat once again, we are in speculation here!

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