The Montreal Canadiens are weighing their options regarding the future of winger Patrik Laine, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $34.8 million contract with an annual cap hit of $8.7 million. While the team is not actively seeking to trade Laine, they remain open to moving him if a suitable deal arises, according to insights from Canadiens columnist Eric Engels.
Engels shared on Sportsnet’s The Fan Hockey Show that the Canadiens would consider trading Laine if an offer covering the last year of his contract came along, though they are not urgently trying to part ways with the forward.
“If the phone rang and somebody wanted to take on the last year of Patrik Laine’s deal, I don’t think the Canadiens would necessarily hesitate to ship it out. I don’t think they’re necessarily ripping out their hair to find ways to get him out of Montreal over this last year.” —Eric Engels, Canadiens columnist
Performance review and offseason preparation
Last season, Laine scored 20 goals across 52 games but struggled to maintain strong even-strength performance. His contributions on the power play, however, were a key element in the Canadiens securing a playoff spot. Despite the inconsistencies, the team is hopeful that an enhanced lineup, particularly with improved center support, will enable Laine to deliver more reliable offense during 5-on-5 play.
Engels highlighted positive developments in Laine’s conditioning and attitude during the offseason as promising signs for his performance trajectory.
“I think it’s a summer of conditioning. From all reports I’ve heard, he’s been active in the gym. There’s a good attitude he’s taken into the offseason.” —Eric Engels, Canadiens columnist
Trade value and outlook for Laine’s role in the team
Currently, Laine’s trade value remains modest largely due to the size of his cap hit, but a strong rebound season could make him more attractive to other teams. Laine suffered a broken finger during the playoffs, limiting his impact to just one assist in two games. Therefore, the Canadiens are likely to adopt a cautious approach, observing whether Laine can increase his overall production this season and establish himself as a vital contributor moving forward.
Significance of the offseason for Laine’s future contracts
Engels stressed that while the Canadiens may choose a patient approach, Laine himself cannot afford to be passive. This offseason represents a crucial chance for him to secure a new contract and alter his professional reputation.
“One thing for Patrik Laine is he can’t afford to wait and see. This is his opportunity at a new contract, his opportunity to earn a different type of reputation than the one he has carried.” —Eric Engels, Canadiens columnist
“Yes, we all know that he’s had issues that he’s had to go deal with, and we’re all sympathetic to that.” —Eric Engels, Canadiens columnist
Laine’s rare goal-scoring skills are an asset, but further growth in other aspects of his game will be critical for teams to view him as a complete player capable of helping them win consistently.