The Montreal Canadiens traded for Patrik Laine a pair years ago in a cope with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Laine wanted a fresh start following some injury-filled seasons in Columbus. And the Canadiens were in search of a little bit of scoring punch as they sought to make a run on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Laine’s time in Montreal has been a bit hit and miss. He has still struggled with injury, unfortunately. When he’s on the ice, though, he has contributed in big ways. Last season, he scored 20 goals in 56 games, and was especially effective on the ability play. 15 of his 20 goals have include the person advantage.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, Laine has been unable to flee the injury bug. He’s been limited to 5 games this yr, scoring one point. Right now, he’s on injured reserve, and has not played since October sixteenth against the Nashville Predators.
Laine ought to be returning sooner or later this season. Moreover, the Canadiens are in a playoff spot, and will use some cap flexibility to operate on the trade market. With this in mind, a trade involving Laine looks like a legitimate possibility. Let’s take a take a look at two potential landing spots for the veteran forward before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
Kraken could help reinvigorate Patrik Laine
The Seattle Kraken find themselves in an intriguing position heading into the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. On one hand, they’re in a playoff spot, holding down third place within the Pacific Division. Alternatively, they don’t seem to be comfortable on this position. Still, Seattle general manager Jason Botteril appears open to the concept of creating a giant trade.
The Kraken attempted to accumulate Artemi Panarin in a trade with the Latest York Rangers. This didn’t pan out, as Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic roster freeze. Meanwhile, Seattle is reportedly dangling Shane Wright and Matty Beniers on the trade market with the hopes of landing a top-six forward.
Patrik Laine just isn’t a top-six forward by any means. Nevertheless, he could potentially be a low-risk, high-reward option for scoring depth. It’s unlikely the Canadiens will charge much to accumulate him this yr. The Kraken could take a likelihood on him, and if it doesn’t work out, he hits free agency this summer.
The Kraken have the cap space to make this work and take his entire contract. Probably, the Canadiens would retain a minimum of a number of the cap hit, though. Either way, this may very well be an intriguing swing by Botteril and Seattle before the trade deadline.
Canadiens, Hurricanes may very well be trade partners
The Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes have a little bit of a sorted history with regards to transactions. The Canadiens attempted to sign Sebastian Aho to a proposal sheet throughout the 2019 offseason. This was matched, however the Hurricanes didn’t forget. In 2021, they successfully signed Jesperi Kotkaniemi to a proposal sheet.
Will this history prevent the 2 teams from coming together on a deal? Possibly. There’s all the time the potential of bad blood between these teams still lingering. Nevertheless, there are different voices in each front office. This could lead on to the 2 sides being willing to make a deal.
And Patrik Laine may very well be a very good reinforcement for the Hurricanes. Carolina has the most effective offenses within the NHL presently. Nevertheless, they may use some depth on the wings. Laine may very well be a very good outlet for young center Logan Stankoven, who Carolina views as its second-line center of the long run.
The Hurricanes do not have a ton of needs presently. The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is more about reinforcing the roster for them. A Laine trade may very well be a wise move if the trade cost is correct.