The Montreal Canadiens were back on the ice for practice during the 2026 Winter Olympics break. Sitting second in the Atlantic Division after winning four of their last five games, the Habs appear to be trending in the right direction.
But the focus quickly shifted to Patrik Laine following a fresh injury update, one that has only intensified trade speculation.
Canadiens’ New Update on Patrik Laine Raises Questions
Laine has been out since October 16 after undergoing core muscle surgery, originally given a three-to-four-month recovery timeline. Recently, there was optimism when he was spotted skating on his own. It looked like a return might be around the corner.
Instead, the Canadiens announced before practice that Laine would not participate due to a lower-body injury and would be evaluated day to day.
That update immediately raised eyebrows.
If he’s not ready by the team’s February 26 matchup against the New York Islanders, his absence could stretch even longer. And with it, the uncertainty surrounding his future in Montreal.
Laine’s name has already been circulating in trade chatter. And this latest development has only added fuel to the fire.
NHL analyst Nick Kypreos suggested, “Montreal is looking to move out his money and might be willing to spend an asset to do that; are prepared to retain a good chunk (even up to 50 percent) of his deal.”
That context makes Laine’s absence from practice even more intriguing. Some around the league are wondering whether the Canadiens are simply being cautious. Or whether something bigger could already be in motion behind the scenes.
A Difficult Fit
Beyond the financial aspect, the on-ice fit hasn’t been seamless.
As the Canadiens’ younger core began to take on bigger roles, Laine gradually slipped down the depth chart. At times, he was skating on the fourth line without much offensive help, and his spot on the top power-play unit disappeared, limiting his overall influence.
In five games this season, he hasn’t found the back of the net. Registering just one assist and a minus-3 rating, a noticeable drop from last year’s production of 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games.
Given his injury track record, this latest issue could simply be another minor bump in the road. But when you consider his contract, his reduced role, and the steady stream of trade speculation. It’s hard not to wonder if something bigger may be brewing.
Whether this is simply a precaution or the first sign of an impending move is still unclear. What is certain, though, is that as the Canadiens gear up for a playoff push, Patrik Laine’s long-term future in Montreal looks more uncertain than ever.
