The news that Patrik Laine is sidelined for three to four months after core muscle surgery is a tough break for the 28-year-old winger. But from where I sit, this injury doesn’t change the trajectory of his future with the Montreal Canadiens—it only solidifies it. The speculation from insiders like Eric Engels that Laine could be moved before the March 6 NHL trade deadline isn’t just noise; it’s the logical next step.
Let’s be clear: the dynamic has fundamentally shifted in Montreal. A year ago, losing Laine was, as GM Kent Hughes noted, “devastating” to the offense. His return last December was a key catalyst for their playoff push. He was the guy.
Why This Season is Different for the Canadiens
This season is a completely different story, and that’s why Laine’s future here is so uncertain. His injury is unfortunate, but the Canadiens are no longer desperate for his offense. The additions of dynamic players like Ivan Demidov and Zach Bolduc, the full-time emergence of Oliver Kapanen, and the stability provided by puck-moving defenseman Noah Dobson have given this club the scoring depth it desperately lacked.
The Montreal Canadiens are building around their youth, and Patrik Laine is no longer a core piece. Frankly, his performance before the injury was the writing on the wall. Through eight games, he had just one point. He was skating on the fourth line and seeing time on the second power-play unit. That’s not a role for a player you rely on; that’s the role of a player you’re trying to figure out what to do with.
The Verdict on a Patrik Laine Trade
So, what happens now? Laine is in the final year of his contract, set to become a UFA on July 1. This injury complicates a pre-deadline trade, but it doesn’t make it impossible. A playoff-bound team might still acquire his rights, hoping he gets healthy for a deep run.
But I believe Kent Hughes has already turned the page. The team is proving it can score without him. Laine was hoping to prove he could adapt his game and earn a new deal. Instead, this injury likely marks the end of his time in Montreal. The Canadiens will focus on their ascending young talent and let Laine walk as a free agent, if they can’t find a minor trade for him by the deadline.
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