While the hockey world has its eyes on Milan and the looming start of the Olympic men’s tournament, back in NHL front offices, the real games are happening behind closed doors. The roster freeze is set to lift in a few weeks, and for the Montreal Canadiens, the clock is ticking on one major decision: what to do with Patrik Laine.
Let’s be clear - it’s not a matter of if the Canadiens will move Laine. It’s how they’ll do it that’s up for discussion.
Laine is in the final year of his deal, carrying an $8.7 million AAV, and he’s only suited up for five games this season. That’s a tough number to move - especially for a player with limited action - but there’s a path forward.
According to recent reports, Montreal is open to retaining up to 50% of Laine’s salary to help facilitate a trade. And that makes sense.
They haven’t used any salary retention slots yet, and with the contract set to expire at season’s end, there’s no long-term cap burden.
The Canadiens don’t need to hit a home run with this deal. They just need to get it done.
The return is secondary to the flexibility it creates. If Montreal wants to swing bigger - think names like Nazem Kadri or Jordan Kyrou - they need the cap space and a roster spot to make it happen.
Moving Laine is the first step in unlocking those possibilities.
Despite the limited sample size this season, Laine still brings value to a team looking to add scoring. He tallied 20 goals in 52 games last year, and for a club in need of offensive punch, that’s a worthwhile gamble - especially if his new team only has to carry half the cap hit.
For Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ front office, the target date is February 22 - the moment the Olympic roster freeze lifts. That’s when the trade market reopens, and that’s when Montreal needs to have a Laine deal ready to go. Waiting too long risks missing out on bigger opportunities as the March 6 trade deadline approaches.
The Canadiens are currently holding down a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, and while that’s a solid position to be in, it’s not enough. If they want to make real noise in the postseason, they need another top-line weapon.
Trading Laine isn’t just about clearing space - it’s about setting the stage for something bigger. It’s the first domino that needs to fall.
So while the Olympic spotlight shines overseas, don’t lose sight of what’s brewing in Montreal. The Canadiens are quietly positioning themselves to be one of the more aggressive teams at the deadline - and it all starts with Patrik Laine.