04 Jun 2024 14:52:21
Columbus Blue Jackets
- Patrik Laine ($8.7m until 2026)*

Montreal Canadiens
- 2024 1st round pick (Winnipegs pick, 26th overall)


*This trade can only happen if Montreal is not on Laines 10 team no trade list. And assuming he will be back for the start of the season and cleared to play by the Player Assistance Program

Laine would have an immediate impact on Montreals top 6 and needs fresh start, cant think of anywhere better than with an original 6 team making their transition from rebuild to rebuilt.

It helps that Montreal can afford the entire cap hit with 0 retention needed.

Close enough or does Montreal need to add?

04 Jun 2024 16:17:07
I think it's fair. I don't know how eager the Habs would be to add him tho given their history with Drouin and his stint in player assistance. Every situation is different tho and no doubt adding an offensive weapon like Laine could prove to be very bountiful for the Habs.

04 Jun 2024 16:35:16
I'm thinking that Hughes would have to add one of the young D-men, such as Harris or Barron, possibly Struble.
I'm torn on this one, as I have always liked Laine, but he does seem to be a guy that looks like he could score 60 goals a year, to a guy that looks like he just wants to be anywhere but on the ice. I'm not sure if he is a fit with the culture that Hughes/ Gorton/ St Louis are trying to establish in Montreal.

I hope that the treatment he is/ was receiving has helped him, as he is an incredible talent when he wants to be.

04 Jun 2024 16:53:58
Interesting one DRW.

Since I don't know the nature of his condition it's hard to assess his value, which is why I usually tend to shy away from any players in the NHL/ NHLPA program.

The value is likely close, but I wouldn't make that trade if I was MTL. A more veteran team with a strong leadership core would be a better fit for a player with issues to overcome in my humble opinion.

05 Jun 2024 06:33:32
I'm wondering if he'd be a good fit in Chicago. He's signed till the right year. They got their veterans to help him out plus someone to play with Bedard.