Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
With Patrik Laine’s name buzzing in trade rumors, there’s been a development for the Detroit Red Wings to acquire a top-six forward, and Laine makes sense.
The Montreal Canadiens are intent on trading forward Patrik Laine, according to NHL Insider Nick Kypreos. Here’s why the Detroit Red Wings are a good landing spot for the top-six forward.
“Nick Kypreos: Re Patrik Laine: Montreal is looking to move out his money and might be willing to spend an asset to do that; are prepared to retain a good chunk (even up to 50 per cent) of his deal”
– Sportsnet
Laine would fill one positional need for the Red Wings, as they need additional depth scoring in the ranks. His sniping ability on the power play would give them the kind of talent needed in the long stretches of the playoffs.
The Finnish forward makes $8.7 million annually, and the Canadiens would be willing to retain the salary to make a deal happen.
For the Red Wings, this is a chance opportunity to flesh out the ranks with another goal scorer.
The team has $12 million in cap space available at the moment, which, for a contending team, would make the Canadiens and their Original Six counterparts ideal trade partners.
Laine, a 27-year-old forward, was drafted in the 1st round of the 2016 NHL Draft (2nd overall).
His contract would expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him a rental if Steve Yzerman chooses not to extend him beyond this season.
For the Red Wings, a $4.35 million cap hit is manageable, especially when he fills a need on the roster.
Patrik Laine fits the Detroit Red Wings’ long-term goals
A trade of this stature could make or break the postseason and be one of two meaningful moves Yzerman could make to keep the Red Wings’ lineup competitive and with the intent to go deep into the playoffs.
We should expect that if the Canadiens do trade for Laine within the division, the Red Wings could pay a generous price, but before they do so, they need to be reassured that an extension will be signed before they give away the future on what could be a rental.
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A Patrik Laine trade development has just been confirmed and the Canadiens and Red Wings could strike a deal
Does a forward Patrik Laine of the Montreal Canadiens trade to the Detroit Red Wings make sense with the latest developments in the news?