Canadiens expected to part ways with $8.7 million forward before NHL trade deadline
The rumors are too loud now to think that something won’t happen.
The Montreal Canadiens and Patrik Laine appear to be heading toward the end of their road together, one that looks like it might conclude by Friday’s NHL trade deadline.
It’s been trending this way all week, and as Wednesday commences, it’d be a surprise not to hear the news sooner rather than later.
Early this week, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston wrote why he believes Laine will be moved.
“Working his way back from core muscle surgery that’s limited him to just five games this season, Laine’s future lies somewhere other than Montreal,” Johnston wrote. “The Canadiens don’t have an obvious spot for him in the lineup and seem inclined to move off his contract in order to clear cap room needed for other moves. While Laine is no longer the game-breaking talent who took the NHL by storm a decade ago, he still possesses a wicked shot and remains a serious power-play threat. The Canadiens have the ability to retain salary on his expiring contract in order to help facilitate a move.”
MORE:Â Maple Leafs getting help from Flyers to trade veteran center
Then on Tuesday night, the rumor mill expanded to include the Los Angeles Kings.
NHL insider David Pagnotta reported Tuesday that Laine trade talk “has picked up a little more, and I’m told the Kings are circling back on him.”
He added, “expectations remain high that he’ll be moved this week.”
That’s likely not the only team involved, given the earlier certainty from Johnston about Laine being a trade mover.
Laine’s expiring contract, and the Canadiens’ ability to retain a huge chunk of his salary, should make this a reasonable deal for most contenders, assuming the asking price isn’t too high.
Montreal’s time with Laine appears to be coming to an end this week.
