NHL Rumors: What Is Patrik Laine’s Future With the Canadiens?
When the Montreal Canadiens brought in Patrik Laine, there was optimism that the skilled Finnish winger could revive his scoring prowess and bolster the team’s offensive attack.
Unfortunately, the reality has been far from ideal. Laine struggled down the stretch in the regular season, and those struggles have carried over into the playoffs—or more accurately, his absence from them.
After underwhelming performances in Games 1 and 2, where he was barely noticeable and even benched late in Game 2, Laine missed Games 3 and 4 due to injury. Now, with the Canadiens on the brink of elimination and Laine watching from the sidelines, major doubts are surfacing about his place in Montreal.
A Mismatch from the Start
The Canadiens pride themselves on being a hardworking, fast-paced, and defensively responsible team. Laine, while undeniably gifted offensively, has never been known for his work ethic, physical play, or defensive reliability.
His game revolves around his elite shot and offensive instincts—not the relentless effort or two-way commitment that Montreal values.
This disconnect has been painfully evident. Laine frequently looks a step slow in the Canadiens’ up-tempo system, struggling to keep up with the pace of play. His defensive shortcomings remain a major concern, and when he isn’t contributing on the scoresheet, he offers little else.
Beyond the power play—where his shot remains a weapon—he has failed to make a consistent impact.
In 52 regular-season games with Montreal, Laine managed just five goals and nine assists at even strength—a meager 14 points in full-strength situations. For a player with an $8.7 million cap hit, that’s inexcusable production.
Comparatively, players earning half his salary have outperformed him in the same role. It’s difficult to justify such a significant investment for so little return.
What’s Next for Laine and the Canadiens?
As the offseason approaches, Montreal must make a difficult decision regarding Laine’s future. He enters the final year of his contract in 2024-25, still carrying that $8.7 million cap hit.
Given his struggles and injury history, it’s hard to imagine the Canadiens wanting to retain him at that price.
Option 1: Trade Him
The most direct solution would be a trade, but Laine’s value is at an all-time low. Finding a team willing to absorb his full salary without Montreal adding incentives—such as retaining salary or attaching a draft pick—seems unlikely.
After years of carefully accumulating assets, would GM Kent Hughes be willing to pay just to move on?
Option 2: A Buyout
A more plausible route may be a buyout. If the Canadiens buy out the final year of Laine’s deal this summer, the cap hit would be spread over two seasons:
- 2025-26: $3,966,667
- 2026-27: $2,366,667
While no team wants to pay a player not to play, this approach would free up crucial cap space, especially with key young players like Lane Hutson needing new contracts soon.
A buyout would also allow Montreal to move on cleanly, focusing on their emerging core without forcing a square peg into a round hole.
Conclusion
Laine’s time in Montreal feels like a failed experiment. Despite the initial hope, the fit was never right, and the results speak for themselves. As the Canadiens continue building around their young, driven core, the focus must remain on players who fit their identity.
For Laine and the Canadiens, a parting of ways may be the best outcome for both sides.
Image - David Kirouac-Imagn
