BREAKING: Proposed swap Sends Columbus Blue Jackets Key-player to Montreal in blockbuster deal
Patrik Laine’s Transition and Potential Fit with the Montreal Canadiens
During his initial three NHL seasons with the Jets, Patrik Laine showcased a remarkable goal-scoring prowess, tallying 36, 44, and 30 goals respectively. However, since his trade to Columbus, Laine has struggled to replicate his earlier success, leaving many to observe a noticeable decline in his performance on the ice.
While Laine undeniably possesses offensive talent, his recent play has raised concerns about his level of engagement during games. Despite this, there remains a belief, as expressed by Arpon Basu, that Laine could potentially thrive with the Canadiens.
In a recent episode of “The Basu & Godin Notebook” podcast, Basu and Marc Antoine Godin explored a hypothetical trade scenario involving Laine joining Montreal. The proposed deal included a 2024 Avalanche second-round pick and an offensive prospect heading to Columbus in exchange for Laine, with the condition that the Blue Jackets retain over $2 million from his current contract.
The proposition of acquiring Laine presents a unique opportunity for the Canadiens. While Laine’s reputation for attitude issues poses a risk, his natural talent and ability to contribute as a top-six forward align with Montreal’s current needs. Despite his substantial $8.7 million annual salary, which expires in the summer of 2026, the short-term commitment minimizes the financial risk for the team.
The question of whether the Canadiens should pursue a player like Laine, known for his attitude challenges, arises. With Martin St-Louis’s coaching acumen and ability to connect with players, there is optimism that he could help revitalize Laine’s career, which has been searching for consistency over the past few years.
#Habs End Of Season Report Card: Juraj Slafkovsky
How would you grade Slafkovsky's season from A-F?#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast@tonymarinaro pic.twitter.com/UWP5xa3Oed
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) April 29, 2024
While the prospect of adding Laine’s talent and goal-scoring ability to the lineup is enticing, the ultimate impact on the Canadiens’ performance remains uncertain. The potential benefits of integrating Laine into the team must be carefully weighed against the associated risks, both on and off the ice, before making a definitive decision on pursuing this trade opportunity.
Retour sur la première soirée mémorable de Lane dans la LNH ✨
A quick look at Lane’s memorable first game in the NHL#GoHabsGo | @DesjardinsCoop | @DesjardinsGroup pic.twitter.com/xqXvDrwqnB
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 29, 2024
