The Montreal Canadiens were the talk of the town after the trade deadline, but not for securing a monumental trade target. As it turns out, the Canadiens were in talks to make a big swing at the deadline for a player who would contribute in the here and now, and also give them a few more years of high-level play on the ice in the middle of their youth revolution.
One of the reasons that trade didn’t go through could possibly have been Patrik Laine and the language in his $34.8 million contract. With Laine now stuck in Montreal until the summer, could we see him on the ice with the Canadiens firmly on track to make the playoffs next month?
Could Patrik Laine Suit Up For the Montreal Canadiens in the Playoffs?
In an impromptu Q&A session on social media platform X, Canadiens insider Eric Engels was asked for his take on the whole Patrik Laine situation.
When pushed for his opinion on if Laine will ever play a game for Montreal again, Engels wrote, Never say never. But [I] think it would take a rash of injuries. Will say he’s been a pro, taking part in every practice, optional practice, and morning skate, and doing the work.”
Never say never.
But think it would take a rash of injuries…
Will say he’s been a pro, taking part in every practice, optional practice and morning skate and doing the work. https://t.co/44EvGouf5O— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 27, 2026
Laine reportedly has a limited no-trade clause featuring a list of 10 teams he can block a trade to. When the clock was running down at the deadline, there was some speculation that the Habs were looking to ship out Laine’s contract to make room for their primary trade target. In all likelihood, they would have had to add a sweetener to move Laine’s contract off their books.
Additionally, with Laine’s $8.7 million on the books for the year, the Canadiens are pushed right up against the cap. Considering they have three rising stars (Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, and Oliver Kapanen) on entry-level deals, Montreal will have to pay a bonus-overage penalty next season, per The Athletic, making it an even more expensive ordeal for the franchise.
With Laine owed a $2 million signing bonus on March 31, and possibly more bonuses for Demidov and Kapanen if they make the NHL’s All-Rookie team, Montreal’s looking at an even bigger bill, which would explain why they were heavily motivated to get rid of Laine’s contract at the deadline.
As things stand, Laine is unlikely to be on the ice for Montreal when they make the playoffs. That is, unless they are suddenly bitten by the injury bug, of course.
Currently, the Habs are on track to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs next month.
ALSO READ: Canadiens Trade Rumors: Montreal, Maple Leafs Failed To Sort Out $34.8M Patrik Laine Situation
