Patrik Laine not playing: “His agent will not file a complaint against the Canadiens.”

We know the story by now: the Canadiens don't have room for Patrik Laine at this point.This is true in terms of payroll, the 23-player roster, and the current trios.

Laine is not a player who fits the habs' needs this season. That's an important point to consider.

As Eric Engels said, last year the Canadiens needed help on offense. This year? Offense isn't a problem… but the Habs are giving up too many goals. Laine can't help on that front, quite the contrary.

At any moment, the Canadiens could announce a trade. That would be the ideal solution for everyone.

But while we wait for Kent Hughes to solve the problem, the Canadiens have to manage the Laine situation, who is waiting patiently on the sidelines without complaining.

On that subject, Renaud Lavoie (BPM Sports) said this morning that the habs could go all the way to the Olympics (the habs will play next Wednesday before going on break) without making a move on the issue.

As long as there are no complaints, it's fine. And according to him, Laine's agent is not going to complain to the Players' Association because he is working hand in hand with Hughes on the issue.

Still on the subject, the TVA Sports reporter opened the door to the Finnish forward being traded before the February 4 trade deadline. That's clearly the habs' goal, in any case.

Will it happen? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, all Laine can do is continue to practice while waiting for the matter to be resolved. He has to let his agent and his club do their work.

It can't be easy, of course. But since he hasn't made himself indispensable recently, here we are.

Overtime

– Good news.

Pascal Vincent was very reassuring about David Reinbacher's health after the game in Calgary. #64 will be on the @RocketLaval's next trip to Syracuse and Toronto.

“He'll be there, he'll practice. There is a good prospect that he'll be able to play.”

— Vincent Demuy (@VDemuy) January 27, 2026

– Will the Canucks goalie play again this season?

Amid reporting/speculating on Thatcher Demko's season in question, results of his recent medical testing could be available today. The @Canucks are expected to address his direction this week.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 27, 2026

– Classic.

Unreal morning with my son.
I got to do this at his age once in central Texas. Never imagined this day would come. pic.twitter.com/xoI3f1cQCp

— Dustin (@Dustin3095) January 26, 2026