Lineup Chaos Means Laine’s Canadiens Future Up in the Air

Patrik Laine’s situation with the Montreal Canadiens is giving fans plenty to think about. When Tony Marinaro asked Eric Engels if Laine would suit up again in Montreal, Engels didn’t really have a straight answer. There’s no solid plan, and word is, his stay in the city might be wrapping up.

Here’s a look at why a trade could make sense—or why it might not.

Why a Canadiens Laine Trade Could Happen

First, Laine hasn’t played in 45 games since his core muscle surgery. Now practicing in a regular jersey, he’s technically ready, but he’s not on anyone’s immediate lineup radar. The Canadiens are deep on forwards, and his skill set just doesn’t slot neatly into the top lines.

Anyone who plays top-six minutes for the Canadiens must play a two-way game, forecheck, and play defence responsibly. Those are things Laine doesn’t do well. He’s a sniper, but putting him alongside Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki could wear them down quickly.

Second, the second line is already locked in. Young guys like Oliver Kapanen, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Ivan Demidov are building chemistry. Breaking up that line just to fit in Laine would disrupt what’s working.

Finally, there’s really only one “real” spot Laine could squeeze into without wrecking the team’s flow. That would be a limited role on the fourth line, rotating with Zack Bolduc. Even so, Bolduc’s the more complete player. If Montreal can’t fit Laine in effectively, it might be best for both sides to move on.

Why a Laine Trade Might Not Happen

But there are reasons the Canadiens might hold off on a trade, too. Laine is a talented scorer who can be a potential asset on the power play. If Montreal could rotate lines or experiment with 13 forwards, they could figure out a way to use him effectively. He also has a proven track record in high-pressure games. His 15 power-play goals last season helped push the Habs into the playoffs. That kind of production isn’t easy to replace, especially on the power play.

The Bottom Line for a Trade

Laine’s future in Montreal is hazy. The team’s current chemistry and depth make it hard to fit him in, but his talent can’t be ignored. As for the odds, Engels says it’s about 50-50 that we’ll see him in a Canadiens jersey before the Olympic break.

A trade seems likely—but until it happens, Canadiens fans are left wondering ‘what if.’

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