Canadiens Rumors: Patrik Laine's Future NOT in Montreal

It's been three months since Patrik Laine suited up for the Montreal Canadiens, and following his long recovery from his core muscle surgery, he's been the forgotten man as the Habs have established themselves as a true contender in the Eastern Conference.

Laine practiced with teammates for the first time on Friday, but there really isn't a spot for him in the lineup when he's ready to return.

Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette says the pending UFA will be on his last legs with the team, even when he does come back.

I definitely don’t see a future for Laine with the Canadiens beyond this season and GM Kent Hughes would obviously love to get something in exchange for him ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

Alexandre Texier is currently banged up and missed his second consecutive practice for the Habs, leaving Cowan to wonder if Laine could get a few of Texier's shifts on the top line when he's ready (which still might not be for another couple of weeks), just to showcase him for a deal. Because he really has no permanent spot at this time in the top nine.

"I don’t see Laine as a bottom-six forward with more of a defensive role, and I wouldn’t break up the second line," said Cowan.

Laine has no spot in the Habs lineup when he returns

Dan Rosen of nhl.com echoes the same sentiments, writing, "It's hard to determine where Laine would fit in the Canadiens lineup, if at all, when he is ready to play... they're fairly stacked (on the wing) even without Laine."

The 27-year-old former 2nd overall pick (2016 NHL Draft), carries an $8.7 million cap hit, and with the team unlikely to want to retain any of that, it could make a trade difficult. Rosen says they could just hang onto him as a depth forward in case of any injuries around the lineup as they steam towards the playoffs.

The Canadiens are currently 27-15-7, with a firm hold on third place in the Atlantic Division and a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.