Calgary Flames emerge as a potential landing spot for Patrik Laine, per Nick Kypreos

Let’s be honest, the Patrik Laine situation is starting to seriously feel like it’s nearing the end in Montreal.

Let’s be honest: seeing Laine with one assist and no goals in five NHL games this season is not what was hoped for. He sits at a minus-3 rating, and his offensive impact has been almost nonexistent since his return.

It’s clear the Canadiens need flexibility with a salary cap that’s right up against the limit. Montreal holds a 32-17-8 record and sits second in the Atlantic Division, but there’s very little room to maneuver.

Calgary has nearly $27 million in cap space and could absorb Laine’s contract to help the Canadiens. Kypreos mentions that such a trade could make it possible to target a high-end asset like Nazem Kadri.

The 27-year-old Finnish power forward will become a free agent this summer and no longer appears to be part of the long-term plan. Kent Hughes would even be willing to retain up to 50% of the salary to help speed up a resolution to the situation.

A risky but necessary gamble for Hughes

Let’s admit it: giving up a draft pick just to get rid of a contract is never appealing. But with young players like Ivan Demidov pushing for a spot, the transition has to happen now to solidify the top six.

The Flames, who are languishing in seventh place in the Pacific Division with a 23-27-6 record, have nothing to lose. They could try to reboot Laine in a low-pressure environment at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

By the end of the week, the rumor mill is expected to heat up even more with trades resuming on February 22. Simply put, if Kypreos is right, Laine’s time in Montreal will have been a very short email.