Insider Buzz: Has Patrik Laine Played His Last Game for the Canadiens?

With the NHL now in the Olympic break following the trade freeze on February 4, 2026, and the real March 6 deadline still a month away, one of the biggest lingering questions around the Montreal Canadiens is the future of forward Patrik Laine. The 27-year-old Finn, limited to just five games this season due to core muscle surgery, remains a member of the organization—but mounting insider reports suggest his time in bleu-blanc-rouge could be over.

---

Sportsnet’s Eric Engels, a key voice on Habs coverage, laid it out bluntly in a recent piece: “If the 27-year-old Finn sees any post-Olympics action, we expect it to be for someone other than the Canadiens.”

Engels noted that Laine, despite being a regular at practice lately, hasn’t been cleared for game action before the break. He highlighted how Montreal has thrived offensively without him—scoring the second-most goals in the league this season—making his $8.7 million expiring cap hit more of a flexibility play than a necessity. Even with up to 50% retention (dropping his hit to around $4.35M for the rest of the year), Engels’ league sources indicate the Canadiens aren’t currently willing to attach an asset to move him, though his name has been shopped.

TSN’s Chris Johnston also commented recently on the Laine situation. He noted, “Moving him out, the Canadiens do that in concert with knowing they have something else in place, and at this point in time they don’t have anything else in place.”

In other words, Kent Hughes isn’t rushing a Laine exit unless it unlocks a bigger upgrade for their top-six or roster depth. Clearing even half his salary would give Hughes more room to be aggressive before March 6. And, the plan is to spend that money. The Canadiens would like to make a move that makes sense to improve their top six, reports Marco D’Amico. They believe they can get a winger and maybe someone who can play winger and center. D’Amico shared the sentiment that Laine has played his last game for the Canadiens.

Adding fuel to the fire, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos (on his recent trade board and TV appearances) emphasized there’s legitimate interest in Laine as a “freebie with upside.” He described him as a low-risk, high-reward add for a playoff contender. Even a non-contender who wants to see if Laine can mesh with their roster could trade for him and potentially sign him. Kypreos floated intriguing matches: the Edmonton Oilers (perhaps in a swap involving Andrew Mangiapane) or Toronto Maple Leafs as ideal partners for a scoring boost. “There is interest in Patrik Laine,” Kypreos said.

And, given Montreal’s willingness to retain heavily (up to 50%) there may be a taker.

Can Laine Still Help Another Team?

Laine’s 20 goals in 52 games last season helped Montreal sneak into the playoffs, but he’s unique in that he’s primarily a power-play weapon. Any team that doesn’t need him on its power play (the Oilers) would need to be careful not to acquire someone who simply doesn’t fit.

It doesn’t sound like there’s much room for him in Montreal. The Canadiens don’t want to mess with their team chemistry, and GM Kent Hughes is working the phones to see if he can convince a team that Laine makes sense for them.

The Canadiens have a few weeks to talk deals over the Olympics, then two weeks before the March 6 deadline once teams return, giving Hughes a tight window to act.

Next: Is Panarin Worth More than Draisaitl? The Kraken Apparently Thought So…