A trade offer emerges for Patrik Laine between Montreal and Columbus

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Elias Edmonson
June 13, 2024 (8:12 PM)

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A major trade offer has just surfaced between Kent Hughes' Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets, involving Patrik Laine, and you're going to love it.

As journalist Pierre LeBrun confirmed that Laine will be traded this summer, having requested a trade, many sources are already linking him to the Montreal Canadiens.

We must admit that the connection makes sense.

We're talking about a 6-foot-5 forward with immense potential, still young, a top-6 forward, and a former 2nd overall draft pick.

The Canadiens are looking for this type of player.

However, some Canadiens fans are concerned about the price to be paid.

A trade offer you're going to love, between the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets, for Patrik Laine

Good news! According to Marc Dumont, the cost might be very favorable for Kent Hughes.

The former Montreal Canadiens employee, now a columnist and journalist, just mentioned this:

«Considering his history, salary, and production, is he a positive-value player? Honest question.

He should be, but at $8.7 million per year, I'm not sure he is.» - Marc Dumont

He was responding to the following question:

«Would you like to see the Canadiens acquire Laine? Let's see your trade proposals.» - HabsOnReddit

So, you have several trade proposals right here.

Given that Marc Dumont isn't even certain if Laine has positive value, here's a standout trade proposal.

To Montreal - Patrik Laine

To Columbus - Filip Mesar

In the case of Mesar, we're talking about a recent first-round pick (2022) who clearly isn't developing as the Canadiens had hoped.

He could be an interesting project for the Blue Jackets and, most importantly, he would allow them to free up nearly $9 million in salary cap space to sign a top-tier free agent.

As for Kent Hughes, he takes a chance with Laine, whose contract ends in just two short seasons.

Would you make this trade?

Patrik Laine, 26 years old, 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, was the second overall pick in 2016.

In recent seasons, he has accumulated:
- 9 points in 18 games
- 52 points in 55 games
- 56 points in 56 games

Let's also remember his two absolutely phenomenal first seasons in the NHL, where he scored 36 goals (at 18 years old) and 44 goals (at 19 years old).

This will be a fascinating situation to watch.