New contract: 'The Habs will meet with Patrik Laine’s camp after the draft'

It’s worth remembering that Laine’s current contract, which pays him $8.7 million a year, expires in a year’s time. This means he’s eligible to sign a contract extension as early as July 1, and the Habs obviously want to test the waters in this regard, much as they did with Mike Matheson at the NHL Combine.

This will give them a better idea of the player’s demands and where they stand.

Obviously, at the moment, Montreal’s priority is the draft, which takes place in less than a week. We can also assume that the club will then focus on the free agent market on July 1… but during the summer, taking the time to meet with Laine about his future is part of the Habs’ shopping list.

It’s safe to assume that Laine will take a pay cut on his next contract, especially if he signs this summer. A big season next year (which he ideally wouldn’t start late) could help him rebuild his value to get more money a year from now… which is why I have a feeling he won’t be particularly interested in signing this summer.

And for the Habs, being patient also has its advantages: giving Laine a new contract right now is a big gamble for a guy who’s been hard to value this season.

I have the impression that this meeting will serve above all to see if Laine wants to stay in Montreal at the end of next season. He seems to like it here, after all, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him want to stay.

But right now, both the player and the club have little interest in initialing a deal. I have a feeling that the club will be doing its homework… but you never know, after all.

Overtime

– The Habs aren’t the only team looking to move up to the next level this summer.

– Nice read.

– That’s a good one, hehe.

– Who do you think?

– Big story in MLB.