Patrik Laine is no stranger to the NHL, with plenty of experience ranging back from 2017-21 with the Winnipeg Jets, where he then moved over to play with Columbus from 2021-24. At 27 years old, the 6'4" Finnish forward has played with the Canadiens since the 2024-25 season after being traded over from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With only playing 5 games this season, for a stat line of 1 assist and -3, many fans are wondering what the Canadiens will be doing with Laine, giving him another chance, or off to the trading chopping block.
On February 3rd, Kent Hughes placed Samuel Blais on waivers, and many viewed this as Laine's return to the lineup. Still, to everyone's surprise, recent reports showed that he will likely not be playing against his former team (Winnipeg), leading to assumptions being made about his future as a Canadien.
Do you think the Canadiens should pay an asset or retain 50% to trade Laine or should they keep him 🤔 ? pic.twitter.com/7z5OjBbv8s
— HFTV (@HFTVSports) February 4, 2026
The latest buzz around the news is whether or not they will give him another chance, or take 50% of his salary and give up draft capital to try to trade him. Sources say that the Canadiens are "willing to retain 50% and add an asset despite his expiring deal". Current rumours also float around the possibility of trading Andrew Mangiapane (Oilers) for him, who has a similar expectation of being traded before the 2026 trade deadline.
Patrik Laine might be in the line up tomorrow against the Winnipeg Jets.
— Maietta Sports Media (@MaiettaSports) February 4, 2026
A lot of Habs fans forget that Laine’s 15 Power Play Goals last season were one of the reasons why they made the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/WVrygeIzeX
While some fans voice their opinions to give him a few more games, extend him for a couple of years since he's only 27 years old, and to give him more chances as a strong power-play scorer, many disagree. Opposing opinions state his style of play does not match 3rd liners, combined with his current injuries, and do not see the worth in keeping him.
Regardless of his current performance this season, many fans argue that without his massive power-play contribution last season, it would've been extremely difficult for the Canadiens to make the playoffs, playing 52 games in the regular season, scoring 20 goals, 13 assists (23 points).
As debate continues to swirl, Laine's future remains uncertain, leaving the Canadiens to decide whether patience will pay off or if it's time to explore a trade before his value shifts.