Fansided

NHL Rumors: 5 teams that could trade for Patrik Laine

By Brad Berreman

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on February 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on February 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images
Credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images /

4. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens were a prime beneficiary of the expanded NHL playoffs this year. Then they went and upset the Pittsburgh Penguins in the qualifying round, before being eliminated in the traditional first round by the Philadelphia Flyers. General manager Marc Bergevin might be emboldened to make a big move this offseason, with a top farm system and a bushel of draft picks over the next two years to deal from.

The Canadiens have an easy centerpiece to a deal for Laine. Restricted free agent center Max Domi seems to have no future in Montreal. Another immediate piece like defenseman like Brett Kulak or Victor Mete might get the Jets’ attention, or Bergevin could get more aggressive and offer someone like Alexander Romanov or Cole Caufield to load up while Cary Price and Shea Weber still have useful time left. There is center depth to possibly deal from too, as Montreal goes an enviable three deep there without considering Domi, who can also play winger (Nick Suzuki, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Phillip Danault). Danault, with one year left on his contract and a cap hit of just over $3 million, is apparently not thrilled with the prospect of becoming the third-line center next season.

“I love producing offensively and have enjoyed my role the past two seasons. I don’t know if I want to limit myself to a specific role, which would only be defensive. I don’t think I will get better by playing just defensively.

“I’ve seen my role change during the playoffs, but with what I’ve proven in the last few years, my role shouldn’t change in Montreal,” Danault added. “I have demonstrated that I am capable of playing both defensively and offensively.”

The Canadiens can go a lot ways to shape a good offer for Laine, and add their first top-end scorer in seemingly forever. The question is if they’ll be willing to pony up the hefty cost to get him.

Home/Winnipeg Jets