Patrik Laine could be part of a bigger trade as Canadiens explore upgrades

We can all agree that the Patrik Laine situation is starting to weigh heavily in the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room.

The 27-year-old forward has been practicing with his teammates for two weeks now, but he is still watching games from the press box.

Kent Hughes is not sitting idle during this Olympic break.

Let’s be honest, Laine’s $8.7 million contract isn’t exactly generating a rush of interest around the NHL. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that buyers are fairly scarce at the moment.

Laine has played just five NHL games this season, recording one assist and no goals. He carries a -3 rating and is averaging 12:36 of ice time, well below the expectations placed on him.

Patrik Laine trade pressure builds during Olympic break for the Canadiens

Insider Pierre LeBrun believes Laine could be the centerpiece of a major transaction. The Canadiens reportedly have Calgary Flames veteran Nazem Kadri in its sights to bolster its top six ahead of the playoffs.

With 39 points in 56 games this season, Kadri would bring grit and experience down the middle. However, Kent Hughes is said to still be hesitant about adding a quality prospect or a draft pick to finalize the deal.

Caution is warranted, as interest in Kadri appears to have cooled recently according to some sources.

Kent Hughes also does not want to be tied down by an overly long contract, with Kadri under contract with the Flames until 2029.

We will likely not see Patrik Laine again in the blue-white-red uniform.

His departure would finally allow the club to shop for an offensive asset capable of producing immediately, without the risks tied to his fragile health.