Since Sunny Mehta arrived as the top guy on the Devils, he’s been on a mission to overhaul the franchise with changes on the roster and on the coaching staff. Now, he might look into Laine, as the team needs shooting. The Islanders have also shown some restricted interest on Laine.

At one point, Laine was expected to be one of the top scorers in the NHL. Now, he has no team. Since Laine missed so many games the last two seasons due to injuries and other shenanigans, Mehta could offer him a minimum salary with bonus additions and Laine might just accept it.

If Laine is still good at shooting, the Devils need him

Laine has created a reputation of being quite a headache. However, if he proves to still have a 98.37 MPH top shot, the Devils could, at a bargain price, be very tempted to give him a shot at redemption.

However, if Laine is not capable to provide top-tier shooting, then he has no prominent future in the NHL. Laine is not fast and no one in the league regards him as a tough guy. One workout would give the Devils all the info needed for them to see if Laine can help the team or not.

How do the Devils project for next season?

The New Jersey Devils project as a bounce-back playoff threat for the 2026 NHL season under new GM Sunny Mehta, relying on a healthy core led by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Mehta also revamped the goaltending depth, and the team has hopes on young pieces like Luke Hughes.

The team added veteran depth like Evan Rodrigues and signed forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year deal. Still, the Devils have some doubters. They need to find ways to score consistently and they could be dangerous.

According to a report around the NHL, the Islanders have reached out to Laine and his camp. However, Laine’s next contract—if he even gets one—will look nothing like his previous deal, which was a topic of conversation in its own right. In fact, the Isles may be willing to offer Laine nothing more than minimum interest—and as a result—compensation.

“From what I’ve been told, the Islanders did have conversations with Patrik Laine’s camp when free agency opened. I don’t believe the Islanders were willing, or are willing, to offer Laine anything more than a tryout,” Stefen Rosner stated on The Elmonters podcast.

Much has changed for Laine

Back in July 2022, Laine put pen to paper on a four-year, $34.8 million contract in the NHL. Under that deal, he was set to earn an average of $8.7 million per season over four years. However, nothing went right for the Finnish sniper. From the moment he signed the extension in Columbus, Laine appeared in just 130 of a possible 328 games.

Not only that, but Laine was traded to Montreal in 2024. He showed flashes of his goal-scoring ability by scoring 20 goals in 52 games in Quebec’s Metropolis, but that was about it.

Last season, Laine underwent core muscle surgery. He was limited to just five games all season and wasn’t in consideration for a spot on the active roster during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Laine hasn’t played an NHL game since Oct. 16, 2025. Over his last 20 games across the past two seasons, he has recorded just six points.

Things aren’t looking great for Laine

All in all, the concerns surrounding Laine are numerous, and the guarantees simply aren’t there. As a result, any team interested in him will exercise extra caution and will likely prefer signing him to a professional tryout (PTO) rather than committing guaranteed money.

Whether Laine signs with a team or goes out of business in the NHL could come down to whether he looks anything close to the winger who once scored 44 goals in a season—or at least to the 20-goal scorer he was two seasons ago. Some believe Laine’s time in the league has come to an end. The truth is, he’ll have to earn his way back, even if that’s something a former second overall pick probably never expected to face.

It may be hard for Laine to accept, but that’s the direction things appear to be heading. From signing a contract with an $8.7 million cap hit to having to try out for a roster spot. Life comes at you fast in the NHL, and Laine’s journey is another example of it.

Laine appeared in only five games during the 2025-26 NHL season. He was placed on injured reserve (IR) by the Canadiens after undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury in October and was expected to miss three to four months.

After missing all 19 of Montreal’s games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Laine revealed during the Canadiens‘ locker-room cleanout day that he had actually been healthy enough to play. He did not seem too upset about being sidelined, and a recent report may explain exactly why.

“There was incentive for Laine to stay on IR. He will now be able to sign a bonus laden contract as a UFA with a lower base salary which will make him more appealing to teams,” Pierre LeBrun from TSN reported on his X account.

Laine had lost appeal for NHL teams

For the time being, Laine needs to make himself as appealing as possible to the rest of the NHL. Inconsistency and injury concerns have taken their toll on the former second-overall pick in 2016 and on his reputation. In search of his next contract, Laine must prove he can be trusted, and ironically, being out for most of the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs may have actually benefited him.

When playing on a contract year, it’s usually the other way around. Players need to put up strong numbers to convince either their current team or potential suitors around the league. Laine has shown time and again that he is no average Joe in the NHL, and his situation heading into unrestricted free agency is yet another example.

Laine’s contract and history in NHL

Laine’s four-year, $34.8 million contract, signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, expires at the end of June. On July 1, Laine will become a UFA and will likely join the fourth different club of his NHL career.

Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, he was traded to Columbus in 2021 before being shipped to Quebec’s Metropolis in 2024. During his time in Montreal, Laine appeared in just 57 games (52 during the 2024-25 regular season), as well as two postseason outings that year. He recorded 20 goals and 14 assists for the Habs.

Off to new chapter after Habs’ stint

Most likely, he has reached the end of his chapter with the Canadiens. If that’s the case, his time in the City of Saints comes to an end with a 0.60 points-per-game average.

Needless to say, the 28-year-old winger must find his footing at his next destination. There’s no doubt Laine possesses one of the best one-timers in the league and the sniper-like efficiency to cash in on power plays. However, that’s about as far as his résumé goes.

Unless he is willing to lower his salary demands, teams may not be too eager to add the Finnish talent, who is an asset on the man advantage yet somewhat of a liability beyond that. Fortunately, his lengthy absence this season should naturally lower both his market value and cap hit, making Laine less of a risky venture than he otherwise would be.

The Habs have been involved in no shortage of wild rumors as the trade deadline approaches. While the Canadiens could help the New York Rangers avoid trading Vincent Trocheck to a fierce rival, they have an agenda of their own. Rivalries in the NHL are unparalleled, and nothing may send a message quite like trading for a player your biggest rival let go years ago.

Fans can already guess where Montreal’s crosshairs are headed. The Calgary Flames have been wondering what to do with Nazem Kadri all season long, just as the Habs have wondered about Laine. Thus, a move involving both may be just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps the answer was in front of them all along.

“The Canadiens have circled back with the Flames recently on Nazem Kadri. Talks continue. Some chatter Patrik Laine could be in play here if this gets to the finish line,” as reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

What adding Kadri would mean for Montreal

Montreal already boasts a star-studded lineup. The biggest concern for the Habs currently lies in goaltending, which is why they are reportedly testing the waters around top goalies across the league.

However, if the Canadiens add Kadri to the mix, they could become the apex predator in the East. If the former seventh overall pick by the Maple Leafs ends up winning a Cup with the Habs while the Buds miss the playoffs entirely, it could be too much for Toronto to take.

Kadri’s contract

The Flames are in no hurry to move Kadri, though. The same can’t be said about the Habs and Laine, who has played just 5 games this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Kadri, on the other hand, is under contract through the 2028–29 NHL season. However, Kadri is 35 years old, and his goals don’t exactly see eye to eye with those of Calgary, which is only just beginning its rebuild. Moreover, Kadri’s $7 million cap hit is a burden the Flames might be better off without.

Both sides could look favorably upon a trade—obviously, for the right price. Laine by himself may not be enough, but the Habs definitely have a few aces up their sleeve to tilt the scales and convince their Canadian counterparts all the way in Alberta.

It hasn’t been an easy NHL season for Laine. The elite goalscorer, who once put up 44 goals in the 2017-18 campaign, has dealt with an injury year-round, which hindered his productivity during a contract year with the Canadiens. Laine has been weighing his options with Montreal, but the writing may have been on the wall for a while now.

Reports suggest the Habs have had enough and are ready to move on. For Montreal, it might be now or never; if Laine is still in town after the March 6th trade deadline, the Canadiens will likely lose him to unrestricted free agency this summer. Although the league is wary of Laine’s availability, teams are calling Montreal to ask about him with the Los Angeles Kings reportedly in the mix.

“Trade talk surrounding Canadiens winger Patrik Laine has picked up a little more, and I’m told the Los Angeles Kings are circling back on him,” insider David Pagnotta reported on his X account. “Other teams in the mix, too. We’ll see if Montreal retains 50% of his $8.7M AAV, but expectations remain high that he’ll be moved this week.“

Laine and his 2025-26 season with the Canadiens

Entering the final season of his four-year, $34.8 million contract, Laine knew it would take elite production in 2025-26 to earn an extension in The City of Saints. Though Montreal is the world’s most populous freshwater island, there seems to be no water left for Laine’s windmill.

Laine has appeared in only five games this season and has yet to return to the lineup after undergoing core muscle surgery in late October. Trading Laine away would also free up much-needed cap space ahead of the trade deadline. That may be especially useful, as the Canadiens reportedly eye a trade for a two-time Stanley Cup champion.

Kings and Laine could work out well

For Los Angeles—the Kings recently fired head coach Jim Hiller—such a gamble might be the only way to salvage its season. If the Habs indeed retain 50% of Laine’s salary, the risk is likely worth the reward. Worst-case scenario, the Kings miss the playoffs and Laine walks in July; that’d be no different than where the Kings currently stand. Thus, they have little left to lose.

Who knows? Perhaps Laine and Artemi Panarin can catch fire together. Every NHL fan remembers what happened one time the Kings made the playoffs as the bottom seed. History has a way of repeating itself, often when least expected.

According to a report from Elliotte Friedman, Laine is the name to watch in Montreal. As the insider noted, the Habs are looking to add more than they are willing to subtract ahead of the trade deadline. However, Laine could be the key piece that allows the Canadiens to make a major move.

“Patrik Laine’s a guy who has asked out before, I don’t think he wants to leave Montreal, I think he really loves Montreal, but it just obviously isn’t going to fit,” Friedman commented on Laine’s situation on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Laine could be traded soon

With his four-year, $34.8 million contract set to expire after this season, all signs indicate the Habs will not be bringing Laine back in free agency. Thus, rather than watching him walk away as an unrestricted free agent (UFA), the Canadiens could look to shop him.

However, concerns surrounding his health and declining production could hinder his trade value. If Montreal is expecting a king’s ransom for Laine, it will most likely be in for a rude awakening.

Moreover, Laine’s contract includes a modified no-trade clause (M-NTC) with a 10-team no-trade list. That limits the Canadiens’ options and gives leverage to any team negotiating for Laine, as knowing they are not on his no-trade list allows them to set the price on their own terms rather than have Montreal’s demands forced upon them.

Laine’s injury further complicates things for Habs

Laine has had more than enough time to weigh his options and play out different scenarios in his head, as he has not played in an NHL game since October 16. So far in the 2025–26 season, he has made just five appearances, recording only one assist.

Laine remains on injured reserve (IR) and is practicing in a non-contact jersey, which means the Canadiens will face even more hurdles if they hope to move him for a reasonable return. If not, they can either trade him for peanuts or let destiny run its course and wait to see what happens in free agency.

The Canadiens held out hope for Laine for some time, but it now appears his redemption arc simply was not meant to be in Quebec’s metropolis. His 70-point campaign in 2017–18 remains the best season of his career. Because of injuries, difficult stops around the NHL, and ongoing struggles on the ice, those memories feel more distant with each passing day.

Montreal came into the NHL campaign with sky-high expectations. After the massive strides taken last season, the Canadiens knew they could make a lot of noise riding on the shoulders of one of the youngest and most electric rosters in the league.

However, adversity is hitting the City of Saints in waves now. On top of Laine’s absence—following surgery to repair a core muscle injury—the Canadiens are missing Alex Newhook (surgery on ankle) and Kaiden Guhle (surgery on partially torn adductor). It doesn’t end there, as Montreal confirmed Dach is out—at least—until late December.

As the Canadiens announced through its social media, Kirby Dach will be out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured foot. The 24-year-old center sustained the season-endangering injury during the Habs’ 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.

Dach’s stats in the 2025-26 NHL season

Through 15 games in the NHL campaign, Dach had recorded 7 points—thanks to his five goals and two assists. In his career, the former third-overall pick in 2019 (drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks) amasses 48 goals, 80 assists, and 128 points in 248 appearances.

Bad juju

According to Elite Prospects, the Canadiens boast the youngest squad in the NHL with an average age of 25.08. Though being young is synonymous with boldness and a fast-paced playstyle, it also comes with inexperience. In times of adversity, the team’s callowness comes to light.

As the injury bug wreaks havoc through the lineup, the nascent roster struggles to find answers. That’s been exemplified by Montreal’s three-game losing streak, during which they’ve been outscored 15–3. Moreover, the Habs have dropped five of their last six outings, and what once looked like a throne atop the Atlantic Division is quickly starting to resemble a rocking chair in Quebec’s Metropolis.

Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury in late October, which will sideline him at least until the start of the new year in the NHL. With one of the team’s main goal scorers out of the picture for a long stretch, the Canadiens are leaving no stone unturned.

Tage Thompson has been on the radar of virtually every franchise in the NHL. Despite the perennial organization crisis affecting the Sabres, Thompson has been a standout in Buffalo for a long time, being among the league’s top goal scorers. Now, the Canadiens are reportedly trying their luck with the Arizona-native.

As reported by insider Marco D’Amico, the Canadiens are among the teams to check in with the Sabres about Tage Thompson. “The answer: Not available at this time,” D’Amico stated on X, though.

Thompson’s numbers

Coming off his second 40-plus goal season in the NHL, Thompson has drawn eyes all around the league. The Sabres remain stuck on their own twisted version of The Groundhog’s Day, and the impatience is growing uncontrollable in Buffalo. At some point, living in the City of Good Neighbors is not enough to dismiss the embarrassing showings night in and night out.

So far in his career, Thompson registers 182 goals and 155 assists (337 points) through 463 appearances. Moreover, the former first-round selection (drafted by the St. Louis Blues) in 2016 has three 30-plus goal seasons, including a career best 94-point season, highlighted by his 47-goal production.

Wanting out

Though Thompson hasn’t publicly asked for a trade out of Buffalo, it’s easy to imagine he might be open to a fresh start. After turning 28 in October, the 6’6” centerman may sense the clock starting to tick. Being on his 9th NHL season, Thompson has yet to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and he could be just what a team like Montreal need to truly be a championship contender.

However, the contract situation can’t be ignored. Thompson entered the third season of the seven-year, $50 million extension he signed with the Sabres on August 2022. Montreal currently has $6.68 million available in cap space. In order to accomodate, Thompson’s $7.14M cap hit, the Habs would have to let go of some pieces—or the Sabres must retain a part of Thompson’s salary.

It’s still early in the NHL season, so there’s no need for the Canadiens to rush into a move. Montreal has weathered the storm just fine so far, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. However, when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin to loom on the horizon, the Habs could resume their pursuit of Thompson—most likely around the trade deadline. They won’t be alone, though. If Buffalo fails to right the ship, expect Thompson to be one of the hottest names in the league come March.

Laine had initially been listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, prompting speculation about a knee problem. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes revealed the situation was “something completely new,” signaling that the injury was more severe than originally expected.

“Forward Patrik Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The procedure was performed by Dr. Mark Zoland at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York. Laine’s recovery period is estimated to be three to four months,” the Canadiens shared on X.

This official statement confirms Laine will miss a significant portion of the season, leaving a noticeable hole in the Canadiens’ top-six forward group. The team is likely to rely on younger players and depth forwards to maintain offensive production during his absence.

Implications for Canadiens

Laine’s $8.7M AAV contract is set to expire at the end of the season, adding pressure for both his recovery and future negotiations. The Canadiens will need to adjust their strategy and give more ice time to secondary scorers while monitoring Laine’s rehabilitation closely.

Montreal has been one of the hottest teams to start the 2025-26 NHL season. After losing in opening night to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Habs got back on track with five wins in the next six games.

After a misstep against the New York Rangers at home, Montreal redeemed itself defeating the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 4-2. However, for Coach St. Louis, the means are as important as the end result. On that note, he delivered a blunt reminder for the Canadiens, who might be on track to have Laine back on the ice.

“Our first 25 minutes, we were really, really good,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis commented, via NHL.com. “And then we lost a little bit of momentum after they scored. We get stubborn in the neutral zone when we don’t have a numerical advantage. We get away from what makes us successful, what made us successful in the first period in playing a deep game, whether we possess across the line or we chip pucks in.”

Shake-up

As the four-game homestand came to an end with Montreal boasting a 3-1-0 record to show for, the Habs will now pack their bags for their first long road trip of the NHL campaign. Up next, the Canadiens will head west to take on the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Seattle Kraken.

On that note, St. Louis and his staff in Montreal are making sure the Habs are all set for takeoff, and that means making adjustments to the lineup. Joshua Roy and Marc Del Gaizo have been recalled from AHL affiliate Laval Rocket, while Owen Beck was sent down to the minors.

Hinting

With Laine missing the action in the Canadiens’ last two outings, the latest moves might suggest the Finnish winger is back healthy. At least, that’s how fans and sources around the organization like to see the ongoing situation.

“The fact that the Canadiens have only 12 healthy forwards by swapping Beck and Roy, it should mean that Kirby Dach and/or Patrik Laine are ready to return,” as reported by habseyesontheprize.com.

Defenseman Kaiden Guhle and forwards Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine will all miss tonight’s matchup, with varying recovery timelines impacting lineup planning. The team has moved quickly to fill the gaps, ensuring there is depth to absorb the absences.

“Defenseman Kaiden Guhle (lower body, 4 to 6 weeks) and forwards Kirby Dach (lower body, day-to-day) and Patrik Laine (lower body, day-to-day) will not play tonight. Forward Owen Beck has been recalled from the Laval Rocket (emergency recall).” via Canadiens on “X”,

How will the Canadiens adjust without their key forwards?

Guhle’s absence is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks, removing a significant presence from the defensive corps. Dach and Laine remain day-to-day, leaving uncertainty in the forward rotation. Montreal will likely lean on younger talent to maintain scoring and defensive stability.

To bolster the lineup, the Canadiens have recalled Owen Beck from the Laval Rocket on an emergency basis. The 19-year-old forward is anticipated to slot into a bottom-six role, potentially contributing limited minutes while adjusting to NHL competition.

Laine and Dach’s absences put added responsibility on Montreal’s depth players as they prepare to host the New York Rangers at Bell Centre. The team will need resilience and adaptability to navigate this challenging stretch and preserve early-season momentum.