[Trade] CBJ trade Patrik Laine (no retention) + 2026 2nd to Montreal for Jordan Harris

[TheScorpion]

I don't agree. He was dialled in both in 2021-22 and 2022-23. 108 points in 111 games. Missed a bunch of time to injury but was looking a lot like his old Jets self when healthy. Unfortunately, CBJ sucked hard around him.

[Erick Estrada]

I think it's a decent gamble for the Habs in that even if he's a power play specialist, they should get another pick for him at the trade deadline in the last year of his deal. I would have been fine with the Flames taking him on but I wouldn't be expecting him to turn into an elite player or anything as the guy is a one trick pony and always will be. I think it's time people realize that 2016 was a long time ago and he's in bust/below expectations territory with PLD, Puljujuarvi, and Juolevi.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think it's a decent gamble for the Habs in that even if he's a power play specialist, they should get another pick for him at the trade deadline in the last year of his deal. I would have been fine with the Flames taking him on but I wouldn't be expecting him to turn into an elite player or anything as the guy is a one trick pony and always will be. I think it's time people realize that 2016 was a long time ago and he's in bust/below expectations territory with PLD, Puljujuarvi, and Juolevi.

The thing is, in the Flames current cycle they don't really need him. They still have a year or two of suckage before they really build up.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

The thing is, in the Flames current cycle they don't really need him. They still have a year or two of suckage before they really build up.

I was looking at it from the perspective of him rebounding in the stats column and them picking up another pick or two to add to the 2nd round pick. With the current Flames state of defense and goaltending, Laine would have to evolve into an elite player to put a dent in the fortunes of the team and I don't think he's a player you build around.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

The thing is, in the Flames current cycle they don't really need him. They still have a year or two of suckage before they really build up.

This. And he would be taking a spot that either Sharangovich or Coronato should be given opportunities at (scoring right-hand shot winger).

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I was looking at it from the perspective of him rebounding in the stats column and them picking up another pick or two to add to the 2nd round pick. With the current Flames state of defense and goaltending, Laine would have to evolve into an elite player to put a dent in the fortunes of the team and I don't think he's a player you build around.

Yes, he could have been trade bait.

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by stemit14

This. And he would be taking a spot that either Sharangovich or Coronato should be given opportunities at (scoring right-hand shot winger).

Sharangovich is a left-shot winger.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by Ba'alzamon

Sharangovich is a left-shot winger.

My mistake. Still… would rather have the opportunity given to Coronato instead of Laine.

[HighLifeMan]

- Off ice struggles
- Locker room issues
- Durability issues
- Work ethic concerns
- Overpaid (8.7M caphit)

I absolutely see the appeal in adding a 6'5" player that can absolutely rip the puck, but at some point you have to wonder if the negatives outweigh the ability to potentially produce 40 goals. I certainly do. I don't think that's a player that can help a team establish an identity (that you want) and create a winning culture. I certainly see why Conroy had no interest in taking on that risk - especially with our current roster construction.

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by heep223

Laine has been a total floater for the last few seasons. Completely unengaged. There’s always a chance but you really think he’s going to turn it around in the pressure cooker of Montreal?

It’s a Hail Mary with a massive cap hit attached for two seasons and risk to your dressing room. And it’s not like he’s some last piece they need to make a deep playoff run.

Giant meh

Laine is Phill Kessel. In Toronto everyone wanted him to be the man, but Phil is not the man. Phill is a complimentary player who knows what works for him and totally ignores everything else.

If MTL wants Laine to be the man they are in for trouble, but if they want him to bang 30 goals and only take offensive zone starts and powerplay time they will be every happy with their return.

There are very few players who can do it all, I don't know why people get so down on players who excel in a few positions but not others.

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Two months ago myself and a few others suggested Laine and were basically mocked off the page...now Montreal does it and its the greatest move ever.

I think there is a good chance Laine is done but its certainly worth the risk to a team with cap space.

To be fair, dino, people are praising this move because of the low price Montreal paid to get him. If you stated a similar return and was mocked though, I stand corrected. If Laine can be happy again with life and playing hockey, he'll pile up the points, I have no doubt...

[sureLoss]

Portzline said that a veteran group of players told CBJ management that they needed to get rid of Laine and Merzlkins after the 2020/21 season. Management instead moved out most of the veteran group.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1825897025646240130

[TheIronMaiden]

to be fair, none of those veterans would move the needle.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by activeStick

To be fair, dino, people are praising this move because of the low price Montreal paid to get him. If you stated a similar return and was mocked though, I stand corrected. If Laine can be happy again with life and playing hockey, he'll pile up the points, I have no doubt...

I think it was well known he had negative value

[CSharp]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Always gross when interesting players go there.

MTL is a vortex of no good and players wind up being forgotten and irrelevant.

Hoped he would go somewhere that would be a great match for his skill set like Dallas.

That kinda sounds like .... NYR!

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think it's a decent gamble for the Habs in that even if he's a power play specialist, they should get another pick for him at the trade deadline in the last year of his deal. I would have been fine with the Flames taking him on but I wouldn't be expecting him to turn into an elite player or anything as the guy is a one trick pony and always will be. I think it's time people realize that 2016 was a long time ago and he's in bust/below expectations territory with PLD, Puljujuarvi, and Juolevi.

Big difference in those names though and can't all be grouped together.

Puljujarvi and Juolevi are busts.

PLD and Laine are more in the "Have shown flashes of being a great player, but are very inconsistent and tend to have off ice question marks about their character. Plus they are getting paid too much."

Wouldn't say either is a bust, but in both cases they just haven't been able to consistently put it all together.

The Phil Kessel comparison is apt for Laine I think...he's actually averaged 35 goals and 65 points per 82 games for his career...which is nothing to scoff about. But his character and commitment questions are the issue. If he can end up somewhere that can shelter him and use him to his strengths (like Kessel in Pittsburgh) then you probably have a pretty good player that can have a positive impact.

[Two Fivenagame]

I have a hard time seeing how Montreal is a good environment for this guy. Montreal fans will pick him appart if he doesn't perform.

[cannon7]

I don't think I'd want Laine anywhere near my prospects if I'm Conroy. Terrible influence.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I would say that this trade has a relative low cost of acquisition for a reason - there is a good chance that Laine will just continue to regress.


I would also say that the low cost of getting out of the 8.7 million x2 cap hit shows that there is a good chance he rebounds.



I really wonder what the odds are. Definitely one of the storylines to follow this upcoming season.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think it's a decent gamble for the Habs in that even if he's a power play specialist, they should get another pick for him at the trade deadline in the last year of his deal. I would have been fine with the Flames taking him on but I wouldn't be expecting him to turn into an elite player or anything as the guy is a one trick pony and always will be. I think it's time people realize that 2016 was a long time ago and he's in bust/below expectations territory with PLD, Puljujuarvi, and Juolevi.

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

PLD and Laine are more in the "Have shown flashes of being a great player, but are very inconsistent and tend to have off ice question marks about their character. Plus they are getting paid too much."

Wouldn't say either is a bust, but in both cases they just haven't been able to consistently put it all together.

So in other words they are "below expectations territory" like I said.