Patrik Laine: Nick Kypreos says there is interest in him

Marc-Olivier Cook
Patrik Laine: Nick Kypreos says there is interest in him
Credit: Getty Images

Patrik Laine is still a member of the Canadiens organization.

Kent Hughes was unable to trade the forward before the trade deadline, even though he was willing to keep part of his salary.

But that doesn't mean there's no interest in the Finnish player. At least, if we are to believe Nick Kypreos…

The insider stated (live on television) that there is interest in Laine and that a club looking to add some offensive punch before the start of the playoffs could enter the discussion.

Kypreos also mentioned the Flames… saying that Calgary could give Laine a chance to see if he can fit in with the group before offering him a long-term contract extension.

That's interesting.

The thing is, the Canadiens aren't obligated to trade Laine either.

The player's contract expires at the end of this season, and it's not as if he's really hurting the team's bottom line. Sure, it would be nice to trade him to free up some salary before the trade deadline because it could allow Kent Hughes to be even more aggressive.

Maybe there's already a deal in place to send Laine elsewhere, but Hughes is waiting to see what opens up around the NHL before making a move. Or maybe Hughes is waiting to be sure he can make a move before trading his forward, as Chris Johnston mentioned on his show… 

There's no rush for now in Laine's case.

However, things could move quickly after the Olympic break… because the Canadiens will return to action two weeks before the trade deadline on February 26.

And by then, maybe we'll have more answers to our questions.

What I'm wondering is this: if Laine isn't traded by March 6, will Martin St-Louis make room for him in his lineup? And if so… who will be the odd man out?


Overtime

– Magnificent.

– Canadian reunion in LA.

– He looks so proud!

– Enjoy the read.

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