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Montreal Canadiens right wing Patrik Laine (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Potential Trade Destinations for Canadiens’ Patrik Laine

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By William Bourget | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 1:10 PM ET

During practice, Patrik Laine skated on what essentially looked like a fifth line for the Montreal Canadiens, a clear indication that he could be out of the lineup for Thursday night’s game. For a player with his salary, that is not insignificant.

The Canadiens are in a tight playoff race. They are no longer a rebuilding team that can afford to give extended looks to struggling veterans. Every lineup decision now carries weight. And if Laine is not part of the immediate solution, general manager Kent Hughes may quietly start exploring options. The issue, of course, is not talent. It is fit, consistency, and contract. If Montreal were to explore a move, which teams would make sense?

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings are an intriguing possibility. After losing Kevin Fiala during the Olympics, they suddenly find themselves with cap flexibility, roughly $12 million in available space. That gives them breathing room and, more importantly, leverage. They would not be forced into taking on salary; they could dictate terms. Laine, in this context, becomes a fascinating buy-low candidate.

The Kings recently added Artemi Panarin, one of the league’s elite playmakers. Pairing Panarin with a pure shooter like Laine could be tempting. Panarin thrives with players who can finish quickly and decisively, and at his best, that is exactly what Laine does. Few players release the puck faster.

For Los Angeles, this could be about upside. If Laine rebounds, you suddenly have a dangerous power-play weapon without sacrificing major assets. If it does not work, you have the financial cushion to absorb the experiment. The question is cost.

Montreal likely does not want to attach significant sweeteners to move him. Retaining salary? Possibly. Adding a first- or second-round pick to dump the contract? Highly unlikely. The Kings would understand that leverage and might wait to see how desperate Montreal becomes.

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken feel like an even more realistic fit. Over the past few seasons, Seattle has taken calculated chances on underperforming players. It worked with Kaapo Kakko. They have built a reputation as a team willing to bet on talent that simply needs a reset. Laine fits that mold perfectly.

The Kraken currently have over $16 million in cap space and sit in a playoff position. That is important. They are competitive enough to justify adding talent but not so pressed against the cap that they must subtract. Seattle’s offense has been streaky. Adding a pure shooter could provide a spark for a playoff push. On the power play especially, Laine’s one-timer could instantly elevate a unit that lacks elite finishing ability.

More importantly, the environment in Seattle is low-pressure compared to Montreal. The Canadiens’ market is intense. Every shift is scrutinized. In Seattle, Laine could quietly find his game again without the constant spotlight. Financially, Seattle can absorb him. Strategically, they can frame it as a calculated gamble rather than a franchise-altering move. The risk? Term and consistency. If Laine struggles again, the Kraken would be committing cap space to an unreliable asset. But given their flexibility, it is a risk they could afford.

It Will Not Be Easy

Despite potential fits, moving Laine will be difficult. His contract is not insignificant. His production has fluctuated. And around the league, general managers are cautious about committing term and money to players who have not consistently delivered.

Montreal also does not appear eager to pay to move him. The Canadiens are not in a cap crisis. They are competitive. There is no urgent financial reason to attach high draft picks just to clear space. This is not a fire sale. Laine practicing on a fifth line may indicate a short-term lineup decision. Or it could be the first visible sign that the relationship is nearing its end.

For now, teams like Los Angeles and Seattle make theoretical sense. They have cap space. They have motivation. They could justify the gamble. The real question is whether anyone is willing to take that gamble without forcing Montreal to sweeten the deal. Until then, Laine’s status remains uncertain, and a fifth-line practice assignment only fuels the speculation.