Insider calls Laine trade to Canadian Team Laughable
Just last week the Montreal Canadiens were named as one of the top teams to acquire Patrik Laine in trade, but now a top analyst has called the idea laughable.
Sportsnet reporter Eric Engels has reported that the Canadiens aren't deep into trade talks with Columbus at all, and any interest they have in Laine is minor at best.
«You know, I've obviously poked around on this I'm kind of laughing cuz like you know Twitter has this new for you feature and you know stuff that's been pushed to me over the last couple months or at least couple weeks, actually intensely, is you know a couple people say hey on the Canadians are front runners for Patrik Laine and it's just like I'm sitting back laughing let's be real about the situation.
At the moment, teams interested in trading for Patrik Laine have been encouraged to speak to his agent to facilitate a deal - and any interested team surely wants to speak with him after exiting the Player Assistance Program for mental health reasons. Laine will come at a steep cost in trade, making this trade a massive risk given his declining offensive production in the last few years. Engels seems to be hinting that the Canadiens don't feel like the risk is worth it.
Not only that, but after exiting the Assistance Program for mental health reasons, heading to a city like Montreal with a rabid fanbase may not be the best situation for success - and the Canadiens understand that dynamic. Also, the Canadiens are building a quality young core, and may not need to risk a locker room shakeup that comes with acquiring a star player. Now that Montreal is reportedly out, the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, and Detroit Red Wings are considered the top teams interested.
Patrik Laine has undeniable raw talent that can make him one of the high-end goal scorers in hockey. He scored over 70 goals in his first two seasons, but in the last few years has rarely played a full season, and now hasn't scored more 30 goals in 6 seasons. Wherever he goes fans will watch out to see if he can unlock his full potential, but at this point, Laine is viewed more as a reclamation project than an elite player.
Source: The Hockey News
Eric Engels Calls A Laine Trade To Montréal "Highly Unlikely"
| POLL | ||
Where do you think Laine will end up? | ||
| Minnesota Wild | 23 | 18 % |
| Buffalo Sabres | 33 | 25.8 % |
| Other | 72 | 56.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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