After the LA Kings lost Kevin Fiala to a fractured left leg in the Olympics, reports began to pop up that they could look at out-of-favour Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine as a potential replacement. However, after discussing a potential trade with the Canadiens, the Kings believed the fit was not right at the time and would look at other options.
Trade talk surrounding #GoHabsGo winger Patrik Laine has picked up a little more, and I’m told the #GoKingsGo are circling back on him. Other teams in the mix, too. We’ll see if Montreal retains 50% of his $8.7M AAV, but expectations remain high that he’ll be moved this week.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 3, 2026
After new developments, NHL insider David Pagnotta is reporting that the Kings are back in on Laine. The reengagement in trade talks likely has to do with the Kings losing another winger to injury in Andrei Kuzmenko. Kuzmenko underwent a procedure to repair a torn meniscus. The Kings currently have his timeline as day-to-day, which is uncommon for that injury, and he will likely be out a couple of weeks instead of a couple of days. With the Kings in desperate need of top-six forwards, it now becomes even more probable that Laine will be moved before the NHL Trade Deadline.
Laine has not played a game since October 16th, after going down with a core muscle injury that required surgery. The Canadiens have an exorbitant number of wingers, and while Laine is a proven goalscorer, his style of play is not a fit with how Montreal plays. If it were up to Laine, reports are that he loves being in Montreal, but he wants to play, and that will not happen if he stays with the organization.
Previous reports on the Laine trade rumours were that the Canadiens were willing to retain a sizable amount of his salary to get a trade done. The Kings have just over $11 million remaining in cap space, which means the Canadiens would not have to retain any of his salary to get a deal done, but the return would be more if they do.
The Laine trade for the Canadiens is not about recouping assets in return. The move has more to do with allowing Laine to get back on the ice playing regularly again. The Kings present the best opportunity to do so. He would get a chance to prove he is still a player who can play in your top-six forward group and could slot in on their first power play unit. Laine's time in Montreal was short-lived, but it is almost certain that he will be moved before the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline on March 6th.