Patrik Laine: Nick Kypreos wonders if a trade to Calgary is possible

Jonathan Di Gregorio
Patrik Laine: Nick Kypreos wonders if a trade to Calgary is possible
Credit: Getty Images

Even though NHL trades are on hold for the Olympics, that doesn't stop the rumor mill from continuing to turn.

When trades resume on February 22, the market could really heat up with just under two weeks to go before the deadline, and Jeff Gorton would like to be more aggressive in order to make some moves before March 6.

One player whose name continues to circulate in rumors, and who many wonder if he has played his last game in Montreal, is Patrik Laine.

According to Nick Kypreos, who was a guest on the Big Show podcast, the Flames could be among the teams interested in acquiring Laine's contract to help the Canadiens free up space on their payroll.

That money could be used to acquire Nazem Kadri or another top-6 forward.

Calgary has nearly $27 million in cap space, so taking on Laine's contract, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, won't be a problem for them.

If the Flames' asking price for the Finn's contract isn't too high, it could give the Habs more flexibility to acquire an impact player before the trade deadline.

This isn't the first time Kypreos has mentioned the idea of trading Laine to set the stage for a second, bigger trade, as he discussed it live on Sportsnet.

For Calgary, acquiring the 27-year-old forward with a habs draft pick could be an interesting gamble if he could rediscover his offensive touch in a slightly more important role in a lineup that can afford to be more patient with him.

In addition, it would also be a nice return favor from the Flames organization, as the Canadiens received a first-round pick to acquire Sean Monahan and his contract, which the Flames wanted to get rid of.

In short, we may see the conclusion of the Patrik Laine saga after the Olympic break.


Overtime

– His first of the season.

– What a start!

– Only seventh?

– That's a lot of games.

– Six Québécois with the Canadiens team.

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