Canadiens Likely to Trade Patrik Laine After Olympic Roster Freeze

The Finnish sniper has struggled with injuries during his time in Montreal

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:47am

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The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly looking to trade forward Patrik Laine before the NHL's Olympic roster freeze is lifted on February 22nd. Laine, a former 2nd overall draft pick, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since joining the Canadiens in 2024. With the team adding offensive depth this season, Laine has become the odd man out and the Canadiens are willing to retain 50% of his salary to facilitate a trade.

Why it matters

Laine is a talented goal-scorer when healthy, but his inability to stay on the ice has made him expendable for the playoff-contending Canadiens. A trade could provide a fresh start for Laine and allow Montreal to free up roster space and salary cap flexibility.

The details

The Canadiens currently have 22 players on their roster, one under the 23-man limit. With the impending return of forward Alex Newhook, the team will need to clear a spot, and Laine appears to be the most likely candidate to be traded. Montreal has reportedly tried to move Laine and is willing to retain half of his salary to facilitate a deal. Potential suitors include the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Seattle Kraken, all of whom are looking to add offensive firepower for a playoff push.

  • Laine underwent surgery in November 2025 to repair a core muscle injury and was given a 3-4 month recovery timeline.
  • The NHL's Olympic roster freeze is set to lift on February 22, 2026.

The players

Patrik Laine

A Finnish forward who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. He has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since joining the Canadiens in 2024.

Kent Hughes

The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, who is looking to trade Laine before the Olympic roster freeze is lifted.

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What they’re saying

“The Montreal Canadiens have tried to move him and are willing to retain 50% of his salary to make it happen. There was talk of the Canadiens possibly being willing to add a sweetener to move Laine, on top of retaining on him, but sources have confirmed there is very little appetite for that.”

— Marco D'Amico, RG Media Reporter

“After waiving Sammy Blais earlier this week, the Canadiens currently sit at 22 men on the roster, but Newhook looks like he'll likely be back by the end of the month.”

— Marco D'Amico, RG Media Reporter

What’s next

The Canadiens are expected to trade Patrik Laine before their first game back from the Olympic break on February 26th against the New York Islanders.

The takeaway

Laine's inability to stay healthy and the Canadiens' addition of offensive depth has made him expendable in Montreal. A trade could provide a fresh start for the talented forward and allow the Canadiens to free up roster space and salary cap flexibility as they push for a playoff spot.