Could Patrik Laine be a slot in Montreal?
Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now: It’s obvious that the Montreal Canadiens could use some more offense. They tried so as to add some firstly of free agency with Jonathan Marchessault but he signed with the Nashville Predators.
The 26-year-old Patrik Laine could also be a fit with the Canadiens when a five-year timeline. He’s got two years left at $8.7 million and he comes with some query marks. Prorating his scoring to 82 games, he’s around 30 goals over the past three seasons. He’d fill their top-six winger need.
His contract, declining underlying numbers, and the asking price are sticking points. The asking price shouldn’t be too bad considering the Blue Jackets and Laine are willing to maneuver on. Having only two years left on his contract isn’t bad and would give them ample time to determine if he’s worthy of a contract extension. Yes, his current $8.7 million cap hit is a bit of high.
Where else might be potential trade suits for Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine?
Josh Wegman of theScore: There isn’t any guarantee that the Columbus Blue Jackets will trade Patrik Laine. He’d like a change of scenery and GM Don Waddell has said they’re working at. A take a look at five logical, potential trade destinations for Patrik Laine.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Imagine Laine on a line with Sidney Crosby and being setup on the facility play by Erik Karlsson. The Penguins would wish to send salary back – Lars Eller at $2.45 million and Noel Acciari at $2 million can be candidates.
Colorado Avalanche – Valeri Nichushkin ($6.125 million) and Gabriel Landeskog‘s ($7 million) situations complicate things. They may have $16 million in cap space or $3 million. The Avs have a giant hole if Nichushkin and Landeskog don’t play.
Vegas Golden Knights – The Golden Knights don’t shrink back from big moves. Would wish the cash to work out and might have to incorporate Nicolas Roy ($3 million) and/or Brett Howden ($1.9 million). They may use a top-six winger.
Seattle Kraken – Could use a game-breaking offensive winger. Would wish to search out a approach to make the cash work.
Buffalo Sabres – Not the right fit but have some cap space to work with. They do have a bunch of young wingers that will want/deserve a shot within the top-six.
?️ Back from the Player Assistance Program, it’s rumoured #CBJ PATRIK LAINE & his 2 x $8.7M contract might be dealt.
Laine’s output has fluctuated *wildly* for 8 years. But by some means he’s still only 26 & has at all times been a world-class finisher.
Which team should roll the dice? ? https://t.co/rXlbm5UXOs pic.twitter.com/PeE59D77bt
— Paul Pidutti (@AdjustedHockey) July 30, 2024
