4 Potential Trade Destinations for Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 , , , ,

Patrik Laine could have a new home before the Mar.6 trade deadline.

There's multiple reports surfacing that the Montreal Canadiens are going to move on from Laine ahead of the deadline, and use him as part of a trade package to bring in an impact top-six forward with term on their contract.

Laine's currently on the injured reserve, and so far this season, has appeared in appeared in just five games, recording one assist. The Finnish winger carries a $8.7 million cap hit and is a pending free agent in July. His trade protection only covers 10 teams, so GM Kent Hughes has some options to give him a chance to audition with a new team once he returns from injury.

Pierre LeBrun: Re Patrik Laine: I think ideally what [the Canadiens] would do...is basically to use his contract as a way to make the math work if they do make another move that's tangible - Basu & Godin (2/9)

Here's four teams to keep an eye on as potential trade destinations:

Nashville Predators

The Predators need dynamic forwards who can score, and they also have the likes of Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly and Jonathan Marchessault, who the Canadiens are interested in. This deal would likely come down to deadline day, as the Preds are trying to get into playoff positioning before they decide to start to sell off some assets.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks are looking to next year and could see Laine as a project for the rest of this season, and get first crack at him to sign a longer-term extension in the summer. The Blackhawks need secondary scoring behind Connor Bedard's line and when Laine is healthy and producing, there's not many better at putting the puck in the net.

New York Rangers

It's not often you see a Rangers/Canadiens trade, but this year could be different given the fact the Canadiens would love to acquire Vincent Trocheck. These two teams have been in ongoing talks, and if things advance, and Trocheck is heading to Montreal, don't be surprised to see Laine included, along with a couple of top prospects, which the Habs have plenty of.

Seattle Kraken

Seattle is desperate to make some noise in the playoffs this season and could see Laine as an option to provide a boost to their offense. The Kraken have loads of cap space and the Canadiens would love Shane Wright in return, if Hughes is willing to include a pick and a prospect, this could be coming to fruition before the deadline.

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