Patrik Laine could be acquired by the Montreal Canadiens, a persistent rumor for several weeks.
The Finnish forward requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets after playing only 18 games in 2023-2024. The new general manager, Don Waddell, is receiving calls about him but specifies that he doesn't personally know Laine, who enrolled in the NHL's player assistance program in January.
Waddell tells interested teams that they must be comfortable with Laine without being able to offer further assistance.
«Teams continue to inquire about any updates. I tell them: you need to be comfortable [with Laine] and I can't help you with that. I don't know the athlete personally. I'm not someone trying to deceive people.»
«There aren't many free agents available. If clubs have cap space today, they will probably still have it tomorrow. I know some teams are interested.» -Don Waddell
The scarcity of free agents and salary cap constraints make Laine a potential target, but a trade would probably only happen after he leaves the assistance program.
In the meantime, Kent Hughes may look for other ways to strengthen the Canadiens' offense. Laine will earn 8.7 million dollars next season and will become a free agent in 2025-2026.
