The Montreal Canadiens are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches. Sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 29-17-7 record, they’re firmly in the playoff hunt-and that usually means it’s time to buy. But while Montreal looks like a team ready to bolster its roster for a postseason push, there’s still one name that keeps surfacing in trade chatter: Patrik Laine.
Laine, who’s been limited to just five games this season while recovering from core muscle surgery, landed at No. 24 on Chris Johnston’s latest trade board. And the buzz around his future in Montreal isn’t exactly quieting down.
Here’s the situation: Laine doesn’t seem to have a clear role in the Canadiens’ current lineup. He’s not an obvious fit in the top six, and his game doesn’t exactly scream bottom-six grinder.
That kind of roster limbo-especially for a pending unrestricted free agent-makes him a logical candidate to be moved. Add in his $8.7 million cap hit, and it’s easy to see why Montreal might be motivated to clear the books a bit, especially if they’re eyeing other moves to strengthen the roster.
Now, that cap hit is no small hurdle. But this is the NHL-we’ve seen bigger contracts moved before.
Sometimes it takes a little creativity, sometimes a sweetener or two, but skilled wingers with Laine’s pedigree don’t just fall off the radar. Even if his fit in Montreal isn’t ideal, there are teams out there who might be willing to take a swing on a player with his scoring touch, especially if the Canadiens are willing to retain salary or package him with an asset.
What makes this all the more compelling is the timing. The Canadiens are in a spot where they could make some noise in the playoffs, but they also have to manage their cap situation carefully. That puts GM Kent Hughes in a tricky spot: try to extract value from Laine now, or hold onto him and risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
One thing’s for sure-Laine’s situation is going to be one of the more closely watched storylines as the trade deadline nears. Whether he stays or goes, the decision could have ripple effects on how the Canadiens shape their roster for the stretch run-and beyond.