Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
As the dust slowly settles on the start of the Olympic break, Patrik Laine’s name continues to echo behind the scenes around the NHL.
Analyst Marc-Olivier Beaudoin shared an interesting update this afternoon, based on information from Nick Kypreos.
The takeaway is simple and direct: “There is interest in Patrik Laine.”
Contrary to scenarios suggesting the Canadiens would have to pay a steep price to move on from their forward, another perspective is emerging.
Beaudoin continues to believe that the Canadiens could trade the Finnish winger while offering “almost nothing in compensation” to the opposing team.
“There is interest in Patrik Laine.
I still believe that the Canadiens would be able to trade him while offering almost nothing in return to the team acquiring him.
But the Canadiens would likely only do it if they need the cap space for another transaction. Or if they believe he has no chance of playing for them again and want to give him the opportunity to play elsewhere.”
– Beaudoin
Let’s be honest: if Kent Hughes manages to complete a deal without having to sacrifice a draft pick or a prospect just to remove Laine’s contract from the books, it would be an administrative win.
Two types of potential buyers for number 92, Patrik Laine
The market for Laine appears to be splitting into two very distinct categories based on the information reported.
On one side, there are playoff-bound teams hoping to find a discounted goal scorer for the spring.
On the other, there are teams outside the playoff picture, such as the Calgary Flames, who would be looking for a “free trial” with Laine before his contract expires.
But why would the Canadiens make a move now?
Beaudoin’s analysis suggests that this trade would only happen if the Canadiens need additional flexibility to complete another major personnel move.
The other option is that the organization believes he has no chance of playing in Montreal again and simply wants to offer him a fresh start elsewhere.
Regardless of the reason, there appears to be an exit path that would not be disastrous for the future of the Montreal Canadiens or for Patrik Laine.
And among all these scenarios, the name of the Calgary Flames has been coming up repeatedly over the past few hours.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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One team has emerged as a potential suitor for Patrik Laine
Should the Canadiens trade Patrik Laine even if the return is minimal?