He scored 36, 44 and 30 goals in his first three campaigns with the Jets…
But since the trade that sent him to Columbus, he hasn’t been the same player.
Laine is looking for himself on the ice, and everyone will agree that we’re not talking about the most involved player when he’s on the ice.
He does have undeniable offensive talent, however…
And it forces Arpon Basu to believe that Laine “could” perhaps be a good fit for the Habs.
In the recent episode of “The Basu & Godin Notebook” podcast, Basu and Marc Antoine Godin had some fun constructing a deal that would bring Laine to Montreal, and it would look something like this:
- Avalanche second-round pick (2024) + offensive prospect goes to Columbus
- Laine comes to Montreal (if the Jackets retain more than $2 million from his current contract)
That’s a different proposition:
But the Habs are looking for natural talent, a big guy capable of filling top-6 minutes… And that’s exactly what Patrik Laine can bring to a club.
The Finn earns an annual salary of $8.7 million, which is a lot. That said, his contract runs out in two years (summer 2026) and the risk for two years isn’t huge.
Could the Habs be interested in adding a guy with attitude “issues”?
Martin St-Louis is a vocal coach who talks to his players when the time comes. Does he have what it takes to revive the career of an offensive player who’s been searching for three or four years?
The idea of adding talent and goals to the lineup is all well and good… but would it really help the Habs?
In gusto
– Hard to give less than a B+.
#Habs End Of Season Report Card: Juraj Slafkovsky
How would you grade Slafkovsky’s season from A-F?#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast@tonymarinaro pic.twitter.com/UWP5xa3Oed
– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) April 29, 2024
– A beautiful moment.
A look back at Lane’s memorable first night in the NHL
A quick look at Lane’s memorable first game in the NHL#GoHabsGo | @DesjardinsCoop | @DesjardinsGroup pic.twitter.com/xqXvDrwqnB
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) April 29, 2024
– Enjoy your reading,
My column on Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, who is confident his shoulder problems are behind him after surgery on both of them. He can become a restricted free agent this summer #Habs #HabsIO: https://t.co/9OUapZnRbf
– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) April 29, 2024
– Stay tuned!
#Habs key offseason dates
#NHL Draft Lottery – Tuesday, May 7
Scouting Combine in Buffalo – June 2 to 8
Round 1 of the 2024 #NHLDraft @ The Sphere in Vegas – Friday, June 28
Rounds 2-7 of the 2024 #NHLDraft – Saturday, June 29
Free Agency begins – Monday, July 1– Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) April 29, 2024