The Canadiens tried to dump Patrik Laine’s contract on the Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly had been in talks over acquiring Patrik Laine as a reclamation project.

While the team desperately needs draft picks, a “cap dump” deal for Patrik Laine reportedly fell through because the front office couldn’t find a firm way to execute a trade that worked out.

Elliotte Friedman reported on ’32 Thoughts’ that the Toronto Maple Leafs had engaged in discussions with the Montreal Canadiens on a deal that would make Laine a Leaf.

Laine, who was selected one spot after Leafs captain and first overall pick Auston Matthews in the 2016 NHL Draft, has appeared in just five games this season for Montreal after suffering a core muscle injury.

Laine has 1 assist in 5 games this season and Montreal thought Toronto was desperate enough to take that on

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly looking to dump the final year of Laine’s $8.7M yearly contract, appearing to be likely moving on from the 27-year-old at the end of this season.

Laine has appeared in just 57 games since being acquired by Montreal, with 20 goals, 14 assists, & 34 points in that span, having dealt with both injury and personal problems.

Both Philadelphia and Toronto were targeted as teams that could take on Laine’s salary for this season, but both scenarios ultimately went nowhere.

Currently injured, Toronto looks to have been unmoved by Laine beyond this season, a fall from grace for the former second overall pick who, when healthy, still possesses clear talent.

A $2M signing bonus due March 31 killed the deal and saved the Maple Leafs from themselves

One reason that the Montreal Canadiens were likely trying to move on from Patrik Laine, a March 31st bonus that could have netted him an additional $2M.

If Laine was to be dealt, whichever team he was moved to is paying for that bonus, making this rental deal for an inactive player all the more costly, even with retention.

It’s unclear if Toronto revisits a move for Laine when he hits free agency. He’ll be making a lot less than his current $8.7M, and the fact that he’s a former second overall pick may still give him another shot.

However, Toronto seems like an uncertain fit for Laine. Having openly struggled with mental health, a team quieter than Toronto may make more sense for Laine to restart his career.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, like the rest of the NHL, appeared unconvinced by Patrik Laine, the expensive, injured forward. This offseason gives teams another chance for the Finn to finally prove himself, potentially at a bargain.