NHL Rumors: Is Patrik Laine Playing His Way Out Of Montreal?
Patrik Laine’s future with the Montreal Canadiens is suddenly a real conversation.
Early in the season he has skated modest minutes at five-on-five, seen second-unit power-play time, and even started on what looks like a fourth line. The contrast is striking given last winter’s hot start and the expectation that his shot would turbocharge the Bell Centre power play.
Laine’s first point arrived against the Seattle Kraken, yet his ice time against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings shows the staff is asking for more pace and engagement shift to shift.
Patrik Laine’s role and contract outlook
This is also a contract year. Laine carries an $8.7 million cap hit and needs a run of consistent production to build his next deal. Head coach Martin St. Louis is leaning on speed, pressure, and two-way ability.
If Laine stacks retrievals, tracks back with urgency, and shoots in volume, the usage can climb and the case for an extension strengthens. If not, Montreal’s depth and internal competition will keep squeezing his minutes.
Les attaquants Jake Evans et Patrik Laine ainsi que le défenseur Kaiden Guhle ne participeront pas à l'entraînement d'aujourd'hui (journée de traitements).
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 15, 2025
Forwards Jake Evans and Patrik Laine as well as defenseman Kaiden Guhle will not participate in today's practice (therapy…
Trade paths and what Montreal needs
Montreal’s roster has momentum with Cole Caufield driving offense, Lane Hutson sparking late-game plays, and Zack Bolduc earning prime looks. When young pieces flourish, roles tighten for everyone else.
That raises two realistic paths for Laine.
The first is a revival in place, where he forces his way into the top six by matching the club’s tempo and turning the second power-play unit into a weapon. The second is a move if the fit stalls, ideally aimed at filling a clear organizational need down the middle.
#Habs Martin St. Louis on Patrik Laine
— Chris G (@ChrisHabs360) October 14, 2025
"He's doing his job 5-on-5 and that's where the game is played[...] We will continue to evaluate the behaviours but what I have seen so far 5-on-5, I'm satisfied with Patty and his line"
(Translated from french)#GoHabsGo #NHL #Hockey… pic.twitter.com/pwE90Lcncf
The Canadiens do not have to rush a decision. A productive October and November could make an extension conversation worthwhile.
A quiet stretch would point to exploring the market ahead of the deadline, when scoring wingers carry premium value. Either way, Laine controls a lot of the outcome.
Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
