NHL Trade Rumors: Patrick Laine now linked to this legendary franchise

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Axel Williams
August 5, 2024 (1:40 PM)

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Patrick Laine was recently cleared from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, which means he is free to come back to the league.

Moreover, it also means the Columbus Blue Jackets are free to trade him. It is a foregone conclusion that Laine will be playing for another team next season. However, no one knows who that team will be. One thing we do know is that the rumors are running rampant.

According to Stu Cowan who was on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro this past week, the Montreal Canadiens could be a suitor for Laine. As it turns out, Laine was reportedly in Montreal over the weekend. No one knows why he was there, however, it is believed that he may have had a meeting with Montreal Canadiens general manager, Kent Hughes.

"I've seen that there are red flags similar to those of Pierre-Luc Dubois for Patrik Laine that could be concerning. But at the same time, it's difficult to find players who want to come to Montreal, and Laine is an established sharpshooter who wants out of Columbus. He has just come out of the NHL's player assistance program, but the thing with Kent Hughes is that he has so many contacts across the league, so he'll do his homework. [...]

Is there a possibility that he could come here? YES! The Canadiens need players who can score, and Laine can do that. But I'm not sure if he would fit well in the team's chemistry in the locker room. We saw the example with Dubois in Los Angeles. We'll see, but he (Laine) was seen at the Montreal airport."

Do you believe that Patrick Laine will get traded to the Montreal Canadiens? Let us know in the poll down below. Additionally, stay tuned to Red Wings Insider for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world.

Source: Hockey Trade Rumors
Patrik Laine trade rumors heat up: Recent sightings fuel speculation