Patrik Laine's future in Montreal is hanging by a thread, and a trade before the deadline is possible
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The journalist Stu Cowan, who covers the Montreal Canadiens, has just made a huge statement regarding forward Patrik Laine.
In Montreal, it's indeed starting to feel like the end for Patrik Laine.
"Laine, 27, is in the final season of his contract with a US$8.7 million salary-cap hit. I definitely don't see a future for Laine with the Canadiens beyond this season and GM Kent Hughes would obviously love to get something in exchange for him ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
So giving Laine a few games on the No. 1 line and the power play would be a way to showcase him and try to increase his trade value if Hughes believes there are other teams who might be interested in him."
- Stu Cowan
So giving Laine a few games on the No. 1 line and the power play would be a way to showcase him and try to increase his trade value if Hughes believes there are other teams who might be interested in him."
- Stu Cowan
Kent Hughes may already be leaning toward a decision, and it's starting to look increasingly possible that Patrik Laine's time in Montreal could end as early as this summer.
Even worse.
He could be working to trade Patrik Laine, and for him to leave Montreal at any moment.
It's nearing the end for Patrik Laine with the Montreal Canadiens
So don't be surprised if Laine is traded before the deadline.
The player's situation doesn't help, because he's in the final year of his contract and is listed as an unrestricted free agent.
When you add that to a surplus up front, you quickly end up with a file that's heating up.
On the ice, the numbers tell a simple story. In 2024-2025 in Montreal, Laine played 52 games with 20 goals and 33 points, and then he has only 5 games and 1 point this season.
Overall, he's still an established scorer in the NHL. His career totals show 537 games, 224 goals, and 422 points, which explains why his name never disappears for long from the discussions.
That said, for the Habs, the question is less emotional than it seems.
If Hughes can turn a complicated situation into a useful asset, he'll look at the possibility-especially as the calendar tightens.
This would therefore explain this:
More to come.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
It appears decided for three players, including Patrik Laine, for the game against the Sabres
It appears decided for three players, including Patrik Laine, for the game against the Sabres
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 22|1779 ANSWERS Patrik Laine's future in Montreal is hanging by a thread, and a trade before the deadline is possible Should Patrik Laine be traded before the deadline? | ||
| Yes | 1462 | 82.2 % |
| No, he finishes the season here | 237 | 13.3 % |
| We're keeping him for a few years | 80 | 4.5 % |
| List of polls | ||