Speculation is mounting regarding Patrik Laine’s future with the Montreal Canadiens as the trade deadline approaches. According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there is a strong expectation that Laine will be moved before Friday’s deadline.
Pagnotta conveyed that while an expectation is not a guarantee, the belief on both sides (Laine and the Canadiens) is that a trade will be successfully executed. He placed the likelihood of a trade at slightly over 50%, emphasizing the need for the right team match and suitable financial alignment for any potential deal.
Los Angeles Kings Emerge as a Potential Destination Amidst Injury Woes
The Los Angeles Kings have been a recurring name in discussions surrounding Patrik Laine. While previous conversations with the Canadiens didn’t seem to align with the Kings’ initial preference for a puck-possessing facilitator, recent developments might shift their mindset.
The Kings have been significantly impacted by injuries, including Kevin Fiala earlier and now Andrei Kuzmenko, who is sidelined for the rest of the regular season. This, coupled with a recent coaching change and three rookies making their NHL debuts, indicates a depleted forward group. With existing cap space, a return to pursuing Laine wouldn’t be surprising.
Specifically, a trade involving Laine with 50% salary retention – bringing his $8.7 million AAV down to approximately $4 million – would make financial sense for Los Angeles, especially as they seek to bolster their center depth and offensive production in light of their recent setbacks.
