Reports from Montreal Hockey Fanatics reveal that general manager Kent Hughes has submitted a substantial trade offer. The package features young NHL-ready forwards, a defenseman, and multiple draft picks to tempt the Red Wings.

The development arrives as the Red Wings punished Dylan Larkin amid ongoing trade speculation. Detroit suspended the veteran center without pay after his camp informed management he will sit out. Detroit interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is now actively weighing market proposals to resolve the standoff.

Hughes wants to accelerate Montreal’s rebuild by adding an established star down the middle. The Canadiens hold the premium assets and cap room necessary to finalize a blockbuster deal for Larkin. Detroit must now decide whether Montreal’s lucrative proposal outweighs rival bids from around the NHL.

Canadiens would need to fend off Wild in Larkin’s race

Securing Larkin requires Montreal to beat out fierce competition from the Minnesota Wild. Still, Minnesota remains Larkin’s preferred destination, but the Wild encountered an obstacle to land Dylan Larkin from the Red Wings. After all, Bill Guerin continues to push hard to pair Larkin alongside Kirill Kaprizov in Saint Paul.

However, Montreal owns superior trade collateral compared to Minnesota’s cap-strapped roster. Still, the main hurdle remains Larkin’s 10-team no-trade clause, which currently excludes Canadian NHL clubs. Hughes must convince Larkin to waive his restriction and embrace a leadership role with the Canadiens.

How would Larkin improve the Canadiens?

Larkin instantly transforms Montreal’s center depth behind captain Nick Suzuki. His dynamic two-way speed and veteran leadership take heavy defensive burdens off the shoulders of young forwards. Head coach Martin St. Louis would finally possess two elite scoring lines capable of dictating play.

Furthermore, Larkin’s presence vastly upgrades Montreal’s struggling special teams units. Additionally, he drives puck possession on the power play while killing penalties against top competition. Adding a premier 30-goal scorer accelerates Montreal’s timeline and makes the Canadiens immediate postseason contenders.

Key takeaways

• The Montreal Canadiens have submitted a substantial trade offer for Dylan Larkin.
• The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay during trade speculation.
• Dylan Larkin holds a 10-team no-trade clause currently excluding Canadian NHL teams.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the organization is officially holding Larkin out of the active lineup to safeguard his trade value, responding directly to mounting pressure from the player’s representation.

“My understanding is while Red Wings have remained engaged in trade talks, the plan is for Dylan Larkin to sit out for asset protection purposes until a trade is completed. Sounds like Larkin camp has applied pressure. Awaiting interim GM Shawn Horcoff to address the situation.”

What’s going on with Dylan Larkin and Red Wings?

Seravalli’s update marks a massive operational pivot for Detroit. By benching Larkin for asset protection, interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is effectively ensuring that a multi-piece, high-value transaction will not be compromised by a game-action injury.

While Horcoff previously maintained leverage by insisting on receiving a “value-now” top-six center in return rather than settling for futures, the Larkin camp’s decision to put “their feet to the fire” accelerated the timeline. Many key developments pushed the situation to a head:

• Camp Pressure: With the regular season progressing and locker room distractions mounting, Larkin’s agency pushed Horcoff to stop delaying negotiations and finalize a transaction with one of his approved 10 U.S. destinations.
• Asset Risk Management: Exposing a $8.7 million marquee asset under contract through 2031 to nightly physical risk made little organizational sense once talks reached an advanced stage.
• Active Bidding War: With contenders like the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, and Boston Bruins lurking in the trade market, benching Larkin signals to rival executives that Horcoff is ready to execute a final deal.

What’s next for Red Wings and Dylan Larkin trade?

All eyes across Hockeytown and the NHL now turn to Shawn Horcoff, who is expected to address reporters regarding the decision to withhold the team’s former captain.

While a formal deal has not been officially announced, scratching Larkin for asset protection confirms that negotiations have passed the preliminary inquiry stage. Unless negotiations hit an unforeseen wall, the decade-long Dylan Larkin era in Detroit is officially drawing to a close.

Key takeaways

• Frank Seravalli reports Dylan Larkin is sitting out until a trade is completed to prevent injury.
• Larkin’s representatives applied direct pressure on Detroit’s front office to accelerate trade discussions.
• Interim GM Shawn Horcoff is expected to address the media as a blockbuster move nears completion.

With Detroit actively scouting Montreal as a potential trade destination for Larkin, a new report suggests that the team’s persistence in sending scouts to the City of Saints and Habs games may be all fans need to know to see that a trade between the two teams involving Larkin could actually happen.

“[Red Wings director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager] Kris Draper isn’t going to all these games because he likes watching the Canadiens play. And he wouldn’t be going to them if it was totally impossible Larkin would consider Montreal,” Eric Engels of Sportsnet reported on X.

Larkin might be Canada-bound

It’s been reported that the Canadiens are insisting on Larkin even after being left off his 10-team trade list, and there is growing hope that the longer the trade saga drags on, the more likely Larkin will be to waive his no-trade clause for a shocking move north of the border to an Atlantic Division rival. It would come as a shock, but the idea is gaining traction.

Though Larkin’s current trade list simply may not cut it, and the former Red Wings captain may need to add a couple of options, Detroit has come up with a new plan for Larkin which suggests trade talks have intensified. So far, the Red Wings hadn’t done so and might have even boycotted any chance of a trade with their unrealistic, set-in-stone asking price.

Make some changes to trade list

If Larkin gives in and adds a couple of teams to his list, though, it might not be to add the Habs to the mix. There are other potential landing spots within the U.S. that could make more sense for Larkin, such as the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres.

However, it’s clear that the Canadiens have the most appealing offer for the Red Wings. If Larkin ever signs off on a move to Montreal, the league-wide belief is that a deal could be struck between the two organizations in no time. That’s a big if, and it would take a brazen change of heart for Larkin to waive his no-trade clause for the Habs.

Larkin is choosing U.S. market

Not only has Larkin specifically left all Canadian teams off his list, but he’s also been looking to join teams in the U.S. with a strong Team USA presence, many of them in states with no income tax.

Suddenly accepting a trade to the Canadiens would be a complete 180-degree turn, not only for Larkin and his convictions but also against the current trend in the NHL of American star players asking out of Canada.

Larkin could stay put

In the meantime, neither Detroit nor Montreal is losing hope that it can strike its dream deal. With Larkin facing a Montreal-or-nowhere scenario, he may be forced into accepting the trade. However, he could also choose to stay in Motor City if his only way out is across the border. Better the devil you know…

Key takeaways

• Kris Draper is regularly scouting Montreal Canadiens games for the Detroit Red Wings.
• A 10-team trade list provided by Dylan Larkin excluded the Montreal Canadiens.
• The Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres represent alternative landing spots for Dylan Larkin.

Insider David Pagnotta reaffirmed Minnesota’s status at the top of the board while outlining a potential scenario that could dramatically widen the bidding war. “I still think Minny’s in the lead here on this one, unless he opens up even further beyond the 10 teams, then maybe Boston enters the mix, maybe the Habs.”

Pagnotta’s insight reinforces that Minnesota GM Bill Guerin remains in prime position to land the 30-year-old center. However, because Larkin currently holds an approved 10-team no-trade list, several motivated contenders—including the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens—are currently locked out unless Larkin agrees to expand his pre-approved destinations even further.

Will Minnesota Wild trade for Dylan Larkin?

Minnesota’s persistent lead in the Dylan Larkin sweepstakes stems from a mix of roster urgency and divisional ambition. Operating near the top of the Central Division, the Wild view Larkin as the ideal top-six center to elevate their postseason ceiling alongside Kirill Kaprizov. Several factors keep Minnesota leading the race:

• Aggressive Pursuer: Bill Guerin has maintained open lines with Detroit for weeks, consistently offering futures-based packages that include high draft capital and top organization prospects.
• Approved Destination: Minnesota sits firmly on Larkin’s current 10-team list, eliminating any administrative hurdles regarding his no-trade clause.
• Roster Fit: The Wild offer an immediate top-line role with strong championship aspirations, making Minnesota an attractive long-term home for the veteran.

The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens threat

While Minnesota leads, the lingering presence of Boston and Montreal introduces a dangerous wild card for Detroit. Both franchises possess urgent needs at top-six center and have been actively scouting Detroit’s situation.

• Boston’s Center Void: The Bruins are desperate for a legitimate No. 1 center to anchor their top line, making Larkin a dream target if he considers adding Boston to his list.
• Montreal’s Asset Vault: As previously reported, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has a package ready and holds a deep pool of young centers and draft picks. If Larkin approves Montreal, the Canadiens could outbid Minnesota instantly.

Unless Larkin decides to expand his approved list beyond 10 teams to let Boston or Montreal into the fray, the Minnesota Wild will remain the clear team to beat in the trade race.

Key takeaways

• David Pagnotta confirms the Minnesota Wild remain in the lead to acquire Dylan Larkin.
• The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens are monitoring the situation and could jump in if Larkin expands his trade list beyond 10 teams.
• Minnesota remains on Larkin’s current approved list, giving Bill Guerin the clearest path to finalize a deal with Detroit.

NHL insider David Pagnotta dropped a revealing update regarding how rival general managers perceive the trade assets currently sitting on Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff’s table. “If they do trade Simon Edvinsson, it almost sounds like there’s more of a likelihood to get like a 1, 2 center in a deal for him than it is necessarily for Dylan Larkin.”

Pagnotta’s insight highlights a critical reality in today’s NHL trade market. At 23 years old, Edvinsson represents a towering, top-pair left-shot defenseman entering his physical prime. Contrasted with Larkin—who carries a 10-team no-trade list, an $8.7 million cap hit, and turns 31 next summer—rival front offices view Edvinsson as an elite franchise building block worth surrendering premium, young center talent to acquire.

Canadiens and Wild want a trade for Dylan Larkin

David Pagnotta’s report arrives as the market for both Detroit stars continues to intensify, with two premier franchises operating at the center of rumors:

• The Minnesota Wild’s Preferred Position: Minnesota remains widely viewed as the favorite to land Larkin. However, as insider Michael Russo reported, Wild GM Bill Guerin has resisted stripping his active NHL roster, offering a futures-heavy package instead. If Detroit demands a top-two center back, Minnesota would have to consider involving young core pieces to close a deal.
• The Montreal Canadiens Option: Montreal has surfaced as a fascinating player in trade discussions. According to Pagnotta and Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens have an offer ready for Larkin, but the veteran has not yet approved Montreal on his trade list. However, if Montreal shifts focus or packages assets for Edvinsson—who carries no trade clause limitations—Kent Hughes possesses the deep pool of young centers and draft picks required to complete a blockbuster.

Why Edvinsson’s timeline creates immediate trade pressure

While Detroit maintains the flexibility to take its time with Larkin, the clock is ticking loudly on Edvinsson’s situation. Under NHL CBA rules, Edvinsson must be signed to an NHL contract by December 1 to be eligible to play for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.

With contract extension talks stalled over long-term salary demands and the December deadline approaching, Horcoff may be forced to act on Edvinsson first. Ironically, trading Edvinsson for an immediate top-two center could solve Detroit’s primary roster demand, making a subsequent futures-based trade for Larkin far easier to execute before the trade deadline.

Key takeaways

• David Pagnotta reports that trading defenseman Simon Edvinsson is more likely to net Detroit a top-two center than a deal for Dylan Larkin.
• Edvinsson’s upside at age 23 gives him massive trade leverage over veteran contracts across the league.
• Detroit faces an impending December 1 deadline to sign or trade Edvinsson, while Montreal and Minnesota remain active in the market

“What might make more sense for the Rangers is simply finding a short-term rental option for the rest of this season. One name that could be available and make sense: Montreal’s Sam Montembeault,” Bleacher Report‘s Adam Gretz started.

“The Canadiens have two young goalies that they really like, Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, who should be the future, while Montembeault is in the final year of his contract and likely the odd man out. He has had some really good seasons in the past and could be a solid veteran to accompany Garand for this season.”

Montembeault could be a solid option for Mike Sullivan, especially if the front office can acquire him at a reasonable price. Where will he ultimately end up in the near future?

Montembeault contract situation

Sam Montembeault is in the middle of a three-year contract extension with the Canadiens, carrying a manageable $3.15 million AAV cap hit. With Montreal rostering extra goalies and evaluating their crease long-term, Montembeault has emerged as a frequent subject in trade chatter.

For the New York Rangers, picking him up on a low-cost deal would be a ideal fit: it gives them a reliable, battle-tested netminder who can handle real starter-level workload without destroying their tight cap space. Whether as high-end insurance or a steady tandem option to keep their crease stable, getting an experienced goaltender with term at just over $3M would be a massive bargain for New York’s depth.

What happened to Shesterkin?

The Rangers took a massive blow on Friday, October 9, 2026, when Igor Shesterkin suffered a serious lower-body injury to his right knee during a 3-1 loss against the Washington Capitals. After jamming his leg awkwardly against the goalpost midway through the second period, he had to be helped off the ice, unable to put weight on it.

The ultimate diagnosis was a worst-case scenario: the Rangers announced that Shesterkin will miss the entire remainder of the 2026–27 season, completely sidelining their elite netminder and leaving New York to navigate its crease without its main anchor.

Key takeaways

• The New York Rangers are linked to Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault following an injury.
• Sam Montembeault carries a $3.15 million AAV cap hit on his contract with Montreal.
• Igor Shesterkin will miss the entire 2026–27 season due to a right knee injury.

That’s a common sentiment around the league. The Habs appear to hold the golden ticket. They have the assets to convince the Red Wings and need to address their top six if they want to truly compete for the Stanley Cup in a contender-filled Atlantic Division. All they’re missing is a green light from Larkin—a tiny detail.

If all that’s missing is Larkin’s signature, however, the Canadiens might be wise to negotiate with the Red Wings, and have an offer ready to show Larkin and get him to accept if he ever grows sick and tired of waiting around.

“Montreal is not on [Larkin’s] list of 10 and here’s my theory, it almost has to be reverse engineered. Montreal is going to have to call Detroit and say they want to make a deal for Larkin, but you have to agree. Montreal and Detroit would have to agree on a trade, and then Detroit would have to go to Larkin,” Elliotte Friedman suggested on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Larkin prefers to stay in U.S. market

Even when little was known about Larkin’s preferred destinations, it was always clear that he didn’t want to join a Canadian market. His trade lists so far have only reinforced that, as Larkin has left all seven Canadian teams off them. Those poised to compete for the long haul or those destined for the basement—it made little difference: Larkin didn’t include a single one of them.

However, many insiders around the league believe Larkin’s mind can be changed regarding a move to Montreal, especially if the dramatic trade saga keeps dragging on throughout the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

“You’re starting to hear more talk about Montreal. The Canadiens I believe have got to a point where they have a good understanding of what the trade would have to be. It’s really a matter of does Larkin get tired of waiting,” Chris Johnston said on the Nielson Show.

Others, however, believe moving to Canada is where Larkin draws the line and that there’s no way he’ll change his mind, but time will tell. That’s just what the Red Wings have in abundance: time.

Red Wings are in no rush to trade Larkin

With no urgency to trade Larkin and the forward signed through 2031, Detroit can let this drag on for as long as necessary, waiting until the right offer lands on its desk and Larkin signs off on a trade. Who knows when that will happen? At this point, it’s even reasonable to wonder whether it ever will.

Larkin doesn’t have much time, though his patience so far has surprised many. It might eventually reach a point where he waives his no-trade clause just for the sake of leaving Detroit. If Larkin ever finds himself in a position where he’s willing to accept the first offer that buys him an exit from Motor City, it feels much more likely to be a one-way ticket to a team in the U.S. But, again, who knows?

Larkin’s trade remains an enigma

It’s all so uncertain. Anything can happen, even the impossible. For the time being, it seems anything can happen, but nothing actually will. Both Larkin and the Red Wings remain firm in their tug-of-war, and neither is moving an inch. As a result, Larkin isn’t going anywhere, at least for now, and remains a Red Wing.

He’s already played 10 games in the 2026-27 NHL season, and it might make little difference if he plays a couple dozen more. Maybe things will actually ramp up closer to the trade deadline. Until then, the Habs might need to keep working closely with the Red Wings, plotting the perfect offer—one that, once finalized, can be presented to Larkin in the hope that he’ll simply nod in agreement.

Key takeaways

• Elliotte Friedman suggested Montreal reverse-engineer a Dylan Larkin trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
• Larkin excluded all seven Canadian teams from his preferred NHL trade destinations.
• Larkin remains under contract through 2031 with Detroit, removing immediate urgency for a trade.

Only when Larkin is finally traded will the Canadiens rest, and they may not take no for an answer or any outcome that doesn’t bolster their top-six. With reports hinting Larkin’s trade out of Detroit drama is in the final countdown, Montreal may not wait around for much longer, though.

“The Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Dylan Larkin if he ever changes his mind,” Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN. “There are people in Larkin’s camp that also think Montreal is a decent fit, but it’s not up to them [to decide]. It’s up to Dylan Larkin.”

Larkin’s updated trade list

After a long wait and much speculation, Larkin finally gave the Red Wings a true list of organizations to negotiate with. Indeed, they are all Stanley Cup contenders and teams with fellow American players, but they have more to offer the Wings than the Panthers, Wild, and Golden Knights could, or were willing to give up as they knew they were the only options Detroit had.

Now, there are 10 NHL teams in the running. The Habs aren’t among them, but they remain confident. If a deal takes long enough to materialize, perhaps Larkin will reconsider and give the green light on a move to Canada.

Canadiens face tall order

Convincing Detroit should be the easier part of the problem for Montreal. At the end of the day, the Habs may have the most appealing offer for the Wings, but it’s all in vain if Larkin doesn’t sign off.

The odds of Larkin, whose main interest is to join a Cup contender in the U.S. (preferably one in a no-income-tax state), accepting a trade to Canada might be too slim. He’d be going back on everything he’s built since requesting the trade right as he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel..

Regardless, the Habs may have nothing to lose, and waiting for a miracle won’t hurt.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin excluded the Montreal Canadiens by omitting them from his updated 10-team trade list.
• Pierre LeBrun reported that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested if Dylan Larkin ever changes his mind.
• Dylan Larkin prefers joining a U.S. Stanley Cup contender, making a move to Canada unlikely.

The past few days, weeks, and, why not, months have been chaotic for Detroit. The Red Wings were adamant that the worst part of Larkin’s trade drama was over just recently. And while many saw that as a potential sign that Larkin changed up his mind, it only foreshadowed the former Red Wings captain finally expanded his trade list in the NHL.

Larkin realized he wasn’t going anywhere any time soon sticking to the previous three-team list, and he’s made changes. Not without taking his sweet time to analyze the rest of the league and see which teams are expected to compete for the Stanley Cup this season, and in the next few years.

Still, two teams that have been in on Larkin and have a case to be considered Stanley Cup contenders were snubbed: the Rangers and Canadiens. It might be a tougher pill to swallow for the latter, as Larkin had fueled Montreal trade rumors after his visit to Bell Centre, in which fans chanted: “We want Larkin”. Still, that warm welcome wasn’t enough to lure the American center. His decision appears final: he will play for an U.S. based club in the NHL.

Larkin’s 10-team trade list

According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Larkin’s list is now up to 10 organizations. Essentially, Larkin has only added six or seven (no Gen Z pun intended) to his original list, which was reported to include three or four clubs: Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars.

In addition to the usual suspects, who come up in every trade rumor mill involving an available star in the NHL, Larkin has reportedly added the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche.

• Florida Panthers
• Minnesota Wild
• Vegas Golden Knights
• Dallas Stars
• Carolina Hurricanes
• New Jersey Devils
• Washington Capitals
• Colorado Avalanche
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Utah Mammoth

What we learn from Larkin’s new list

As if it wasn’t clear before, it’s obvious now: Larkin wants to win the Cup, and his trade list reflects that he’s after a future with a contender in the league. In addition to the Rangers and Habs, other surprising teams left off Larkin’s list include the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins.

A team like the Capitals emerges on the list as a bit of a surprise, and the Mammoth’s presence only confirms Salt Lake City’s status as a new home for Team USA stars. Larkin could join Vincent Trocheck there, as reports also point to Connor Hellebuyck potentially ending up in Utah as part of a three-team trade involving the Rangers.

The offseason and start of the 2026-27 NHL campaign have been dramatic, but it seems the answers are finally arriving.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin excludes the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens from his trade list.
• Helene St. James reports Dylan Larkin expanded his list to 10 NHL organizations.
• Dylan Larkin added six teams including the Washington Capitals and Utah Mammoth.

When Todd McLellan and several members of the Red Wings organization talked about Larkin’s trade rumors, they all mentioned the word “distractions.” Still, not many may have expected something along the lines of what transpired in Montreal.

In unprecedented fashion, thousands of passionate, die-hard Habs fans actively called for a player on the opposing team, urging the front office to make a trade for him. Larkin didn’t expect that either, but rather than being taken aback, he was honored by the experience and perhaps had his eyes opened.

“I never would have imagined that in this building and in my career. They’re passionate fans. It’s one of the best atmospheres in hockey,” Larkin said, via Helene St. James of Detroit Free Press. “They’re knowledgeable and they love their team. That’s how I read into it.“

McLellan speaks on the chants

For a head coach with as much experience in the NHL as McLellan has, he can certainly say the “We want Larkin” chants were a first in his career. However, he didn’t appreciate it nearly as much as Larkin did.

“Our internal group, the guys that wear the uniforms, coaches, and trainers, have done a real good job of shielding each other. I’d be lying if I said that everything going on wasn’t a distraction,” McLellan admitted after the game, via Sportsnet. “But we have a responsibility to focus on what we can control and that’s what we do.”

Why Canadiens do (and don’t) make sense for Larkin

In terms of needing an experienced top-six center and having the capital to pull off a trade with the Red Wings, there may be no team in the NHL that makes more sense than the Canadiens.

However, it’s unclear if Larkin would ever waive his NMC to move north of the U.S.-Canada border. That might’ve changed after his perspective-shifting visit to Montreal. Perhaps that was the final confirmation Larkin needed, and maybe his previously narrow trade requirements are now much more relaxed.

Key takeaways

• Detroit Red Wings lost 1-0 to Montreal in a shootout following trade speculation surrounding Dylan Larkin.
• Dylan Larkin called Montreal’s fans passionate and praised the Bell Centre atmosphere after hearing trade chants.
• Todd McLellan acknowledged trade rumors have been an internal distraction for the Red Wings organization.

Laine’s time in Montreal was largely affected by injuries. Playing in a contract year last season, Laine missed months while recovering from core muscle surgery. When he was healthy again, head coach Martin St. Louis decided the Habs were better off without the Finnish sniper.

Laine played only five games in the 2025-26 NHL campaign and didn’t play a single game in the minors, either. Coming off a long period of inactivity, Montreal decided not to extend Laine an offer. Laine hit the free-agent market but has yet to sign with an NHL club as the Canadiens start their regular-season journey.

Laine remains an unrestricted free agent

Over the course of the summer, Laine has reportedly drawn interest from four teams, but nothing has materialized into a formal contract offer. In fact, most reports around Laine suggest teams looking into him are only interested in signing him to a professional tryout (PTO) deal.

It makes sense: Laine has played only five games since October 2025, and he’s recorded a single assist in them. Laine’s 20-goal campaign in 2024-25 remains an encouraging sign that Laine may have some gas left in the tank for those bold enough to roll the dice on the 28-year-old.

It can still happen. If a team finds itself in need of scoring and power-play help, and Laine remains available, it’d make sense to pursue the once-44-goal scorer. However, based on its actions and every report over the summer, it most definitely won’t be Montreal.

Laine’s stats in Montreal

Through two seasons with the Canadiens, Laine appeared in 57 games (missing 107 outings), registering 20 goals and 14 assists for a total of 34 points (0.60 points per game). Not only did his production in Montreal spell the end of his tenure there, but his concerning availability also complicated things for Laine as he searches for a new home in the NHL.

Key takeaways

• The Montreal Canadiens let Patrik Laine go after a deflating 2025-26 campaign.
• Core muscle surgery caused the Finnish sniper to miss months last season.
• Four NHL teams have reportedly shown interest, but no formal contract materialized.