Canadiens Weigh Laine Trade as Deadline Nears

Montreal considers bold move to acquire star winger despite team's success without him

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp geometric planes in the Canadiens' red, blue, and white colors, as well as those of an opposing team, conceptually representing the team's aggressive approach to the trade deadline.The Canadiens' bold trade strategy aims to reshape their roster, even if it means parting with a star player like Patrik Laine.Louisville Today

The Montreal Canadiens are exploring a trade for star forward Patrik Laine ahead of the NHL trade deadline, even though the team has thrived without him this season. Team president Jeff Gorton hinted at the Canadiens' ambition to add a top player, but with limited salary cap space, they may have to offload some players to make room.

Why it matters

Laine is a proven scorer, but the Canadiens have been one of the league's highest-scoring teams this season despite his absence due to injury. Trading Laine could be a risky move, as he could provide valuable physicality and scoring for a Stanley Cup contender, but the Canadiens' success without him raises questions about the necessity of the trade.

The details

The Canadiens are willing to retain a significant portion of Laine's salary to facilitate a trade, acknowledging their surplus of players as a key to acquiring the desired winger. Gorton stated the team had 'depth that kept us above water' in Laine's absence, suggesting the Canadiens may not need him to continue their success.

  • Laine is in the final year of his contract with the Canadiens.

The players

Patrik Laine

A star forward for the Montreal Canadiens who has been limited to just five games this season due to injury.

Jeff Gorton

The president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens, who has hinted at the team's ambition to add a top player before the trade deadline.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“...we had some depth that kept us above water.”

— Jeff Gorton, President of Hockey Operations, Montreal Canadiens

What’s next

The Canadiens will need to determine if trading Laine is the right move to bolster their roster for a Stanley Cup run, as the trade deadline approaches.

The takeaway

The Canadiens' willingness to trade Patrik Laine, despite the team's success without him, highlights their aggressive approach to building a championship-caliber team. However, the move is not without risk, as Laine's scoring and physicality could be valuable assets for a contender.