Photo credit: Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Even though the NHL is currently on pause for the Olympic Games, rumours involving the Montreal Canadiens are not on hold.
General managers often use these quiet moments to lay the groundwork for the final stretch.
According to former player and analyst Nick Kypreos, one destination is starting to make a lot of sense for Patrik Laine: the Calgary Flames.
Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes would like to be aggressive ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, but in order to buy, you need cap space.
That’s where Calgary comes into play.
The Flames have roughly $27 million in cap space, a luxury very few teams currently possess.
Let’s be honest, absorbing Laine’s contract would be little more than an administrative formality for them.
The objective for Montreal would be clear: move the Finnish forward’s salary in order to then pursue a top-line forward, such as Nazem Kadri.
“Re Nazem Kadri: A lotta teams need money in money out, so we mentioned Montreal, is there a way that Montreal can send Calgary some of their issues, Patrik Laine I have on my list; would Calgary be willing to take that contract.”
– Nick Kypreos
A favor that brings back the Sean Monahan file
There’s a certain irony in this scenario that brings to mind the Sean Monahan trade.
At the time, it was the Canadiens who helped the Flames by taking on a heavy contract.
This time, it would be the opposite: Calgary would accept Laine (and possibly a draft pick) to help Montreal.
Let’s tell it like it is, this scenario carries very little risk for the Alberta-based team.
With the loss of Jonathan Huberdeau for the rest of the season, the Flames are desperately in need of offense.
Laine will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, meaning there is no long-term commitment for Calgary.
If the sniper finds his scoring touch out West, it’s a masterstroke.
If not, they can simply turn the page at the end of the season with no consequences.
For the Canadiens, if the price to “get rid of” the contract is reasonable, it would provide enormous flexibility.
Kypreos seems convinced that this is the kind of precursor move that could lead to a much bigger transaction for the Habs.
We’ll be watching this closely once the trade freeze is lifted on February 22.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens linked to Patrik Laine move that could set up a much bigger trade
Should the Canadiens pay a draft pick to get rid of Patrik Laine’s contract?