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We are just hours away from the NHL trade deadline (which will be in effect for more than two weeks, until February 22) ahead of the Olympics.
In Montreal, we will obviously be keeping an eye on the Patrik Laine situation. Will the Canadiens manage to trade him to another team by 3 p.m. this afternoon?
In an ideal world, that would be the goal.
This morning, we wrote that the chances of seeing the Canadiens make a move were slim. Of course, that included the Patrik Laine situation, which is a hot potato in town.
And now it's Darren Dreger's turn to weigh in on the matter.
Listen: Darren Dreger: Is There A TRADE Market For Patrik Laine https://t.co/piceobiA88
— TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) February 4, 2026
On Montreal radio (TSN 690), the reporter said that Laine is not exactly a player in demand in the National Hockey League right now.
It's no surprise that this isn't THE hot topic right now. Clubs are more interested in Artemi Panarin at the moment, which makes a bit more sense.
I'm hearing things are very close on an Artemi Panarin trade.
Expectation is this gets done before the trade freeze this afternoon
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) February 4, 2026
Even if the Canadiens were to retain some salary in a trade, it's clear that Laine's market must be fairly limited. He has done nothing to prove that he can dominate again.
That said, it only takes one club to take the bait.
If an average club wants to pick up a draft pick to get Laine and give fans a powerplay treat, it could get the habs moving. And that could happen today or in a month, at the deadline.
Remember, the deadline is March 6.
Overtime
– Must-read.
He put pressure on his club. https://t.co/gKo5wy9eoc
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) February 4, 2026
– Olympics: hockey players to carry their countries' flags.
David Pastrňák has been named the Czech Republic's flag bearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games!
pic.twitter.com/B63RyvPuQ8
— RDS (@RDSca) February 4, 2026
Leon Draisaitl has been selected as one of Germany's flag bearers for the #MilanoCortina2026 opening ceremony
pic.twitter.com/scPfD9pID7
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 4, 2026
– Lane Hutson gets some praise.
#gojetsgo Josh Morrissey on #Habs Lane Hutson: “Really, since he came into the League, he's been a lot of fun to watch. Super dynamic, his feet are incredible, his vision is incredible… he's dynamic every time he touches the puck and makes a big impact on the game…”
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) February 4, 2026
– It wasn't a small challenge.
“If I had known from the start that it was going to be this difficult, I might have been discouraged.”
https://t.co/rU1bNClnkW
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 4, 2026
– Ahh, the famous first line.
Is Kirby Dach the ideal winger for Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, or will Alex Texier reclaim his spot on the top line once he returns to the lineup?#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro @EricEngels pic.twitter.com/fFBVRl6j1I
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) February 4, 2026
– He'll be going to the Olympics.
Landeskog has the green light for Milan. Which is amazing given the concern last month when he was injured. https://t.co/DyXvUlM2rE
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 4, 2026
