What Is the Canadiens’ Plan for Patrik Laine?

Laine never truly established himself as a driver of play in Montreal. His skating, defensive engagement, and consistency away from the puck limited his impact, especially on a young team that values pace, forechecking, and structure. While the acquisition cost, Jordan Harris for Laine and a second-round pick, as part of what many viewed as a Columbus salary dump, was reasonable, the return on investment has been questionable.

The Canadiens hoped Laine could at least be a complementary scorer who tilted the ice offensively. Instead, too many nights went by where he blended into the background, unable to impose himself unless set up perfectly on the man advantage.

Where Could He Even Play Now?

This is where things become complicated. Even if Laine returns healthy, there simply isn’t a clear spot for him in the lineup. The second line is firmly established and playing strong hockey. There is no reason for the Canadiens to disrupt that chemistry to accommodate Laine. As for the first line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, it’s hard to imagine Laine getting that opportunity. The Canadiens have tried multiple options there, and Laine’s lack of five-on-five impact makes him an unlikely candidate.

That leaves the bottom six, and that’s arguably an even worse fit. Laine does not play a very good defensive game, does not bring physicality, and does not provide the kind of energy or reliability typically expected from bottom-six forwards. Paying a premium scorer to play limited minutes in a checking role makes little sense for either side.

In short, Laine currently finds himself without a natural role. He’s not good enough defensively for the bottom six, and not impactful enough at even strength for the top six.

A Trade at the Deadline?

Given all of this, the idea of a deadline trade becomes increasingly logical. Laine is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and the Canadiens must decide whether there is any value in keeping him beyond that point.

If Laine returns before the deadline and shows even a brief scoring touch, a contender might take a chance, particularly if Montreal is willing to retain up to 50% of his remaining salary. In that scenario, expectations would be minimal. The Canadiens would likely receive little to no return.

There’s also the possibility that Montreal would need to outright dump the contract, prioritizing roster flexibility and lineup clarity over asset recovery. While that may feel underwhelming, it could still be an option.

Laine’s situation in Montreal feels like it’s nearing its conclusion. Between recurring injuries, an awkward fit, and a lineup that has evolved without him, the Canadiens no longer appear built to accommodate his skill set. What once looked like a low-risk gamble now feels like a short-term experiment nearing its end.