Patrik Laine’s future with the Canadiens in doubt after latest report from Eric Engels
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
We’ve just obtained the confirmation we were waiting for regarding Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine.
According to what insider Eric Engels confirmed during his appearance on Tony Marinaro’s podcast, Patrik Laine will not be in the lineup tonight against the Winnipeg Jets.
This is not just any game for the Finnish sniper.
Missing a matchup against a former team is often a telling sign in the National Hockey League.
Alexandre Texier could return to action as early as tonight, but all indications are that the decision involving Laine has nothing to do with that.
Quite simply, there are no chairs left for Laine.
Has Patrik Laine played his last game with the Montreal Canadiens
That’s the legitimate question circulating right now.
The information points to Kent Hughes being active on the phone in an effort to find Laine a new destination.
This isn’t necessarily a criticism of the player, but rather an acknowledgment that the need for a Patrik Laine in the Canadiens’ lineup right now appears to be a failed experiment.
With the logjam up front (and considering his annual salary), keeping the veteran in the press box helps no one.
If Texier takes his spot tonight and Newhook reclaims his role shortly after, the window closes quickly.
The Canadiens’ general manager must now assess the market to see if another team is willing to take the gamble, and according to the latest information, that’s exactly what he’s doing today.
Kent Hughes is actively working this file.
For now, Laine will have to watch his teammates face the Jets from the press box.
This is a situation that is evolving hour by hour.
We’re staying alert, but let’s just say the signs are not encouraging for his short-term future in Montreal.
The situation is explained very well right here:
"I can tell you that right now. He's not playing against the Winnipeg Jets. But I can tell you that some people were assuming that because they put Blais on waivers, that it meant that Patrik Laine was going to be back in the lineup.
I don't know if Patrik Laine is going to play another game for the Canadiens. I think it becomes even harder because Texier will be back... and Alex Newhook is coming back...And so the question becomes, as we get closer to the deadline, as the salary dwindles and the actual money going to him dwindles, and the willingness to retain money on him is certainly there, that potentially they find him a new home."
- Eric Engels
I don't know if Patrik Laine is going to play another game for the Canadiens. I think it becomes even harder because Texier will be back... and Alex Newhook is coming back...And so the question becomes, as we get closer to the deadline, as the salary dwindles and the actual money going to him dwindles, and the willingness to retain money on him is certainly there, that potentially they find him a new home."
- Eric Engels
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 4|1475 ANSWERS Patrik Laine’s future with the Canadiens in doubt after latest report from Eric Engels Do you believe Patrik Laine will be traded by 3 p.m. today? | ||
| Yes | 327 | 22.2 % |
| No | 1148 | 77.8 % |
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