Rangers Linked to Acquiring $34.8M Sniper Patrik Laine

New York could add the former second overall pick to their roster ahead of the trade deadline despite plans to retool.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The New York Rangers are reportedly in talks with the Montreal Canadiens to acquire star winger Patrik Laine ahead of the NHL trade deadline. This would come despite the Rangers' stated plans to retool their roster this season. Laine, who is in the final year of a $34.8 million contract, could provide a scoring boost to the Rangers as they look to compete for a playoff spot next season.

Why it matters

The potential Laine trade would be a surprising move by the Rangers, who had previously indicated they would be sellers at the deadline as part of a retool. Adding Laine, a former 2nd overall pick, could provide a high-end scoring threat to the Rangers' lineup, but would also require giving up valuable assets like prospects or draft picks.

The details

According to NHL analyst Jeremy Tingly, the Rangers and Canadiens have been in ongoing trade talks, with the Canadiens potentially interested in acquiring Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. As part of that deal, the Canadiens could send Laine to the Rangers, along with some top prospects. This would help the salary cap work for both teams, while giving the Rangers a chance to evaluate Laine before he hits free agency.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, 2026.

The players

Patrik Laine

A 24-year-old winger for the Montreal Canadiens who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Laine is in the final year of a 4-year, $34.8 million contract.

Vincent Trocheck

A 29-year-old center for the New York Rangers who could be a trade target for the Montreal Canadiens.

Chris Drury

The general manager of the New York Rangers who has indicated the team will retool this season rather than rebuild.

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What they’re saying

“It's not often you see a Rangers/Canadiens trade, but this year could be different given the fact the Canadiens would love to acquire Vincent Trocheck. These two teams have been in ongoing talks, and if things advance, and Trocheck is heading to Montreal, don't be surprised to see Laine included, along with a couple of top prospects, which the Habs have plenty of.”

— Jeremy Tingly, NHL Analyst

What’s next

The Rangers and Canadiens will need to finalize any potential trade involving Patrik Laine and Vincent Trocheck before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Rangers' reported interest in acquiring Patrik Laine despite their stated plans to retool shows they are still looking to add high-end talent to their roster, even if it means parting with valuable assets like prospects or draft picks. This could be a risky move, but one that could pay dividends if Laine can provide a scoring boost and help the Rangers compete for a playoff spot next season.