Patrik Laine trade rumors: Montreal Canadiens not as interested as speculated

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Sam Jones
August 9, 2024 (10:20)

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The Montreal Canadiens have recently been spotlighted as potential frontrunners in the race to acquire star winger Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

However, this narrative has been strongly refuted by Sportsnet reporter Eric Engels, who emphasizes that the Canadiens' interest in Laine is not as fervent as rumors suggest.

«You know, I've obviously poked around on this I'm kind of laughing cuz like you know Twitter has this new for you feature and you know stuff that's been pushed to me over the last couple months or at least couple weeks, actually intensely, is you know a couple people say hey on the Canadians are front runners for Patrik Laine and it's just like I'm sitting back laughing let's be real about the situation.

According to Engels, the Canadiens are barely in discussions with Columbus, indicating that the trade possibility might be more of a media creation than a reality.

The potential acquisition of Laine is fraught with considerations, especially after the player's recent exit from the Player Assistance Program due to mental health concerns. Teams interested in Laine are advised to contact his agent, a move that suggests any negotiation will be delicate, considering his recent challenges and a noted dip in his scoring prowess. Over the past few years, Laine's offensive output has waned, making any trade a significant gamble.

Montreal's hesitation also stems from their current rebuild focusing on a promising young core, which could be disrupted by bringing in a high-profile player like Laine. The vibrant and demanding hockey environment in Montreal might not offer the best backdrop for Laine's comeback, a sentiment echoed by the Canadiens' management who seem wary of the potential locker room impact.

With Montreal reportedly stepping back, other teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, and Detroit Red Wings have moved to the forefront as potential suitors for Laine. Each of these teams will weigh the risks of acquiring a player who, despite a slowdown in recent seasons, still possesses the raw ability to be a top-tier goal scorer. Laine's early career burst saw him netting over 70 goals in his first two seasons, but the subsequent years have seen a decline, leaving potential buyers wondering if they can help him rediscover his elite form.

As the trade discussions continue, the hockey world watches closely to see where Laine will end up and whether his new team can unlock the prolific scoring talent that once made headlines.

Source: The Hockey News
Eric Engels Calls A Laine Trade To Montréal "Highly Unlikely"