Montreal Canadiens Testing the Market on Patrick Laine as Garland’s Name Heats Up in Vancouver
League Chatter: Canadiens Quietly Testing the Market on Patrick Laine as Garland’s Name Heats Up in Vancouver
There’s a certain kind of trade talk that only exists in late January… the kind that doesn’t start with value, upside, or upside projections….but with contracts, cap, and damage control. That’s exactly where the Montreal Canadiens find themselves with Patrick Laine.
Montreal sources indicate the Canadiens are quietly exploring the market, not to “sell high,” not to flip assets, but to swap problems. The internal view is simple: Laine’s deal has become an anchor, and the only realistic path to moving it is bad contract for bad contract.
The Reality of a Laine Deal…
According to my sources, Montreal’s ask isn’t prospects, picks, or young players…it’s contract compatibility. They’re looking for:
- Teams needing a reset
- Organizations stuck in their own cap mistakes
- Clubs willing to exchange term and dollars for flexibility
Basically, two front offices trying to fix their own mistakes at the same time. That narrows the market quickly — but it doesn’t kill it. These types of trades always exist closer to the deadline, when teams realize they’re stuck with contracts that can’t be buried, bought out easily, or moved cleanly. Laine’s name isn’t being leaked loudly…but it’s circulating quietly…
I have always been a huge fan of Connor Garland. His name is coming up not as a useful middle-six asset:
- speed
- forechecking
- puck possession
- playoff-style energy
- lineup versatility
Vancouver isn’t desperate or shopping him..but they’re listening.
Looking for competitive push scoring and depth energy without selling the future.
Classic Hurricanes target: pace, pressure, and system compatibility.
Cap-tight but style-perfect — Garland’s motor matches their identity.
As the Islanders are loading up, the Flyers are definitely looking to answer the bell.
EKLUND’S NHL TRADE RUMOR CHART
