A trade offer was made for the Canadiens and Patrik Laine: it's a steal

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Elias Edmonson
June 19, 2024 (9:29)

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A very interesting trade offer involving Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens has just been suggested by a journalist, and it would be a steal for Kent Hughes.

We know that the Canadiens are looking for a young top-6 forward via trade, we know they are looking for a player with an imposing size, and we know that Patrik Laine has requested a trade.

We are talking about a forward who is 6 feet 5 inches and 215 pounds, 26 years old, and has accumulated 388 points, including 204 goals, in 480 career NHL games.

That's very solid.

The question many Montreal Canadiens fans are asking is the following: What will the price be to acquire Laine via trade?

To answer this question, a journalist has just surprised many.

Patrik Laine traded to the Montreal Canadiens at a very low price?

Apparently, Laine would cost much less to acquire than a Martin Necas or a Trevor Zegras.

In the latest episode of his podcast, a reporter from "The Athletic" mentioned that he could be a very good alternative to be the 2024 version of Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook for the Canadiens.

«I see a fit for Patrik Laine in Montreal. It's a reasonable risk, and I'm sure Columbus would be willing to retain a percentage of his $8.7 million contract. [...]

The Canadiens have some flexibility. Maybe instead of asking Columbus to retain part of his salary, they could add a player like Christian Dvorak and eliminate his contract for the next season. I think there are many ways to make a trade like this, but I really think it's a good risk to take.»

- Arpon Basu

His colleague, Marc Antoine Godin, then went further.

He believes that the Canadiens could take on Laine's entire contract, but with a very specific goal in mind.

«[They could] instead ask the Blue Jackets to swap the fourth and fifth picks in the draft. A situation that, according to Arpon Basu, would be a very reasonable price for Columbus, who would only move back one spot to get rid of Patrik Laine's $8.7 million contract.»

- Via Marqueur

Wow! This would result in the following, according to their suggestion.

To Montreal:

- Patrik Laine + the 4th overall pick in 2024

To Columbus:

- The 5th overall pick in 2024

This would be a steal and I would absolutely do it!

I find it hard to believe that the Blue Jackets would make such a trade, but it does come from a highly reputable journalist, so it's definitely worth analyzing.

It could somewhat resemble the Sean Monahan trade, initially made between the Montreal Canadiens (Kent Hughes) and the Calgary Flames.

By making this trade with Columbus, Kent Hughes would add an exceptional talent in Laine, and he would ensure that he drafts one of the top four players in the 2024 draft.

He would significantly increase his chances of drafting Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom.

In any case, I love this offer brought up by the two journalists! I really hope it's realistic, and it would be a home run for Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and the Montreal Canadiens.

Credit: Marqueur
Transaction majeure impliquant Patrik Laine? un véritable vol pour le Canadien