Overview
- Multiple reports say Montreal is actively trying to trade Laine before the March deadline, with an expectation from league insiders that a move could happen.
- Laine carries an $8.7 million cap hit and the Canadiens are open to retaining up to 50%, which could free roughly $5–6 million to pursue a top‑line addition.
- The winger has appeared in only five games this season after core muscle surgery and has not returned to action for Montreal since the procedure.
- Pierre LeBrun flags the Kings as a potential fit given their scoring needs, though separate reporting indicates Los Angeles has explored other paths for now.
- The Kraken are cited as another plausible destination due to significant cap space and a lower‑pressure setting, but teams remain wary of cost and inconsistency even with Laine’s deal expiring this season.