Former 40-Goal Scorer Traded to the Canadiens? It Appears to Be a Possibility

Apart from a few young players with interesting profiles like Joshua Roy and Filip Mesar, who provide no guarantee of their eventual impact in the NHL, the Canadiens are likely to hit a wall due to the lack of attack in the team.

Hughes is well aware of this, and in light of this season's results, even though Kirby Dach only played two games and there were a few injuries along the way, the CH has one of the worst offenses in the league.

The Canadiens' GM has stated that he will look to make another trade this summer to acquire a player who can integrate into the young core, and help the club in the short and long term.

In connection with this situation, former Montreal organization scout Grant McCagg raised a very interesting possibility that has attracted attention on social media.

Because the Columbus Blue Jackets have put talented forward Patrik Laine on the trade market, McCagg stated that Sean Monahan's return to Montreal could hinge on the possible arrival of a talented player like the 25-year-old Finn.

This is a very intriguing idea from this expert.

In 480 NHL games, Laine has scored 204 goals and 388 points. He is undoubtedly a true top-6 player who could shine with good linemates.

Considering a possible combination of Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield on a first unit, the addition of a second line comprising Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Alex Newhook would finally add real offensive punch to two lines.

Things are not going very well for Laine in Columbus this season, as he has suffered two serious injuries and has only nine points in 18 games. A change of scenery could be highly beneficial to him.

That's also why I doubt the Jackets will ask for the moon for his services, especially considering his hefty salary of $8.7 million for two more seasons. At least, they don't have much leverage to drive up the price, and the Canadiens are one of the few teams that might be interested and have the necessary cap space.

He could certainly fill a big need for the Canadiens, and his arrival could also tip the scales for Monahan. With just one addition, the team becomes significantly more competitive. Could he be tempted to return at the end of the season? One thing is certain, he likes the organization and the city.

If Hughes manages to get a first-round pick for Monahan at the trade deadline, and he uses it in a trade for Laine, along with a few other elements, while keeping his own top-10 first pick in the next draft, it would be a masterstroke by the general manager.

With Laine and the acquisition of a promising forward selected in the top ten of the 2024 draft, the CH would solve its offensive problem in two moves.

I can imagine a trade involving a Christian Dvorak to balance salaries, a prospect like Sean Farrell, and a late first-round pick for him.

Would you make this trade for Patrik Laine?