Rumor: The All Encompassing Patrik Laine Thread (it’s happening!!)

[calder candidate]

HAbsolutely not, stay away from Laine at all costs. Guy has failed at two different organizations, for personal reasons or not...3rd time isn't always a charm.

He failed to reach is draft potential of being a elite/ franchise player, and even if he flop twice (scoring 40g being almost 1ppg player at 26 yoit isn’t the biggest flop) and I’m not sure those were great situations… At the price that we would acquire him (heavy discount) expectations need to be lower .5+ppg middle 6 and PP specialist it would be hard to not meet or exceed those expectations… He would be the 3/5th FW in the pecking order, we aren’t relying on him to save the team we just need another offensive player to be able to ice more than one line that can score kinda like Kessel in PIT.

 

[DAChampion]

Depends on the odds of reaching that potential. A 99% chance of a 3rd liner is better then a 1% of a first liner and 99% of bust so it's not a good trade. And although I personally like Laine's odds for us I can see why some people might think the odds of Laine being a first liner for us are close to nill.

Yes, but what do you estimate the odds to be for Laine becoming a first or second liner, and similarly for Kapanen becoming a third liner?

 

[Surfer72]

Montreal does not need a veteran fixer'uper.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

What? Dude, he played an entire season after that and clearly wasn't going to get offered a contract. He then signed a one-year, league minimum deal with Colorado.

I looked quickly online and I'm not seeing anything that says he requested out.

Montreal and Toronto are high-profile market but outside of 1 playoff run, this team hasn't been relevant in like 8-9 years. It's clearly taken its toll and I think a local is clearly better to sense that. That's without getting into the fact that the 82 games are split among rival channels, which makes it a pain in the ass to access.

Dude,

Go back and look at the archives even on this board. You think that wasn’t reflective of what he had to deal with in the real world? You think there wasn’t pressure? I don’t know what to say to you here.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

He stayed in the assistance program and then left. The guy needed a change of scenery.

Montreal and Toronto are brutal places to play. Not only are there rabid fans but there’s tons of media scrutiny as well.

So, he didn’t ask to be moved. You made that up.

 

[Spring in Fialta]

Dude,

Go back and look at the archives even on this board. You think that wasn’t reflective of what he had to deal with in the real world? You think there wasn’t pressure? I don’t know what to say to you here.

You've moved the goalposts to Mars on that one.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

So, he didn’t ask to be moved. You made that up.

Where did I say he asked to be moved?

You've moved the goalposts to Mars on that one.

????

Yeah, you’re right. Everything was fine. He was having a ball.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Why do people keep relegating Newhook to the 3rd line lol
God we cannot have Anderson anywhere near top6

All said, personally don't really want Laine
I just don't see 'reclamation project' there, I see 'damaged goods'

Since we're really only going to be missing 1 more top 6 winger once Demidov gets here (and I'm still not giving up on Newhook) but I'd really like to target someone else if they are looking at it hard

Because he played really well as a center, and having him as a center over Evans & Dvorak gives us much greater depth at an important position.

Suzuki-Dach-Newhook-Evans or Dvorak is a strong center core.

Suzuki-Dach-Evans-Dvorak is not. The only way I move Newhook to wing right now is if Beck is actually ready to step in as a 3rd line center. Otherwise, Newhook should play center til one of Beck or Hage is ready.

As for Demidov, there's still room for him the following year when he comes over.

A lot of contracts will be done.

 

[BLONG7]

The fans were in him all the time until he went into the program. There’s always a whipping boy here and he was it.

Only.................because he played awful after the first two seasons........he deserved all the criticism, after those first two years.
Brutal effort most nights....

 

[Scintillating10]

Laine and a 2nd for MTL's 3rd. His contract sucks and it's a high risk picking him up. Just like Mohanan was for us.

To start the season I probably would keep roster as it is. Give a good look at Newhook and Roy in top 6. Unless there is something out there I don't know about.

With around 7 million in cap space should bring us quite an asset. Use that asset at deadline to trade for McGroarty type. Getting him free that way.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

Where did I say he asked to be moved?


????

Yeah, you’re right. Everything was fine. He was having a ball.

In your post where you said “why do you think he wanted out?” I shouldn’t have to read your posts back to you, nowhere did Drouin say he wanted out. He wasn’t offered a contract, we didn’t want him back. You made that up.

 

[Rapala]

Because he played really well as a center, and having him as a center over Evans & Dvorak gives us much greater depth at an important position.

Suzuki-Dach-Newhook-Evans or Dvorak is a strong center core.

Suzuki-Dach-Evans-Dvorak is not. The only way I move Newhook to wing right now is if Beck is actually ready to step in as a 3rd line center. Otherwise, Newhook should play center til one of Beck or Hage is ready.

As for Demidov, there's still room for him the following year when he comes over.

A lot of contracts will be done.

I see him on the wing eventually.
The one point that should be made is both Dach and Newhook were acquired by Hughes for their upside potential. My guess is they will do everything possible to help them realize it. In Newhook's case that would include using him in a top six role on the wing. Up and until we solidify our wings and or move out Dvorak and perhaps even Evans that is where I see him starting. Heck we might even try Newhook with Suzuki and Slaf. His speed on the forecheck can force plays to that right side where Slaf excels with his reach and his board play.

 

[OnTheRun]

In your post where you said “why do you think he wanted out?” I shouldn’t have to read your posts back to you, nowhere did Drouin say he wanted out. He wasn’t offered a contract, we didn’t want him back. You made that up.

That doesn't preclude him from having no desire whatsoever of sticking around. The team didn't want him back and the dude just wanted to move on.

 

[DAChampion]

In fairness I've been very wrong before.

I remember wanting Bergevin to sign Alex Semin, before he actually got him for cheap, it wouldn't have been a good deal for the Habs.

Though I also would have liked Bergevin to go for Jagr or Kessel when they were available. Those would have been good acquisitions at the time.

 

[26Mats]

Because he played really well as a center, and having him as a center over Evans & Dvorak gives us much greater depth at an important position.

Suzuki-Dach-Newhook-Evans or Dvorak is a strong center core.

Suzuki-Dach-Evans-Dvorak is not. The only way I move Newhook to wing right now is if Beck is actually ready to step in as a 3rd line center. Otherwise, Newhook should play center til one of Beck or Hage is ready.

As for Demidov, there's still room for him the following year when he comes over.

A lot of contracts will be done.

Newhook was great with Armia and then both Roy and Gallagher.

If we have a good top six, and then that as our 3rd line we'll be dangerouos - or at least fun to watch. It would be three lines coming at the opposition constantly, and potentially for 50 minutes a night with also one of Hutson or Matheson on the ice with them.

I wouldn't mind seeing that 2nd line being Roy - Dach - Laine before Demidov - Dach - Laine.

 

[Estimated_Prophet]

That is true but he was also younger, injury riddle in some weird if not toxic situation and still producing… He might not be a player that you build a team on but he can definitely be a positive in the right situation and depending on the price he could be a steal worst case he leave in two year this should not be a move that will set us back even if it doesn’t work the risk reward ratio is very good.

He is still quite literally in the PAP and coming off of a poor effort so I would hardly use age as an excuse. It is no secret that there were some concerns about him even prior to him being drafted but people seemed to give his odd behaviour a pass and just simply felt that he was a strange person. It appears as though there is and always was more serious issues and hopefully he is making progress as mental illness is a serious issue and his well being as a human supersedes his proficiency as a hockey player.

Hughes will want some level of confidence that these issues are resolved as paying him more than any player on the team despite all of the evidence that he may not be a team player is absolutely a risk to the culture by going against the principles that Hughes/Gorton have preached. They have been signing the core of this team to long term and likely team friendly deals based on a mutual commitment to winning and I am not so sure that bringing Laine in would be the best representation of that commitment, especially if he pulls the same crap that he has pulled under every coach that he has had.

There is a world where I could see Hughes trading for him but it would include serious salary retention and a modest return.....I suspect that Hughes will not compete with teams who may be willing to give up more than this. I also don't see a match in the assets that Columbus might want as they do not need dmen and Hughes isn't going to move any of our top forward prospect to secure two years of Laine imo.

 

[Frenchy]

I've been away for a few days , so i'm not aware of the latest rumours . Do we have a legit chance to get him or we're talking about unicorns ?

Idk what to say , Laine used to be a great player in the NHL but right now in 2024 idk ...
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate here and say that we get him for cheap as Hughes, for idk how ,is able to to screw the CBJ in a trade. Is Patrick Laine the right player to be under Montreal's pressure ?
Laine used to have an eye for the net like no other , but he plays a lazy game and i'm scare that he will become our next scapegoat as soon as the second game of the season .

I'm all for bringing a top 6 vet player to our roster, but i dont think Laine is the right fit for us.

 

[BLONG7]

I've been away for a few days , so i'm not aware of the latest rumours . Do we have a legit chance to get him or we're talking about unicorns ?

Idk what to say , Laine used to be a great player in the NHL but right now in 2024 idk ...
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate here and say that we get him for cheap as Hughes, for idk how ,is able to to screw the CBJ in a trade. Is Patrick Laine the right player to be under Montreal's pressure ?
Laine used to have an eye for the net like no other , but he plays a lazy game and i'm scare that he will become our next scapegoat as soon as the second game of the season .

I'm all for bringing a top 6 vet player to our roster, but i dont think Laine is the right fit for us.

Tough call......I see it like, if the price is right, low risk, huge potential upside.
They would be able to talk to him, so MSL and HuGo would need to see if they could help this kid figure it all out.................Tough call for sure.

 

[vokiel]

I've been away for a few days , so i'm not aware of the latest rumours . Do we have a legit chance to get him or we're talking about unicorns ?

Idk what to say , Laine used to be a great player in the NHL but right now in 2024 idk ...
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate here and say that we get him for cheap as Hughes, for idk how ,is able to to screw the CBJ in a trade. Is Patrick Laine the right player to be under Montreal's pressure ?
Laine used to have an eye for the net like no other , but he plays a lazy game and i'm scare that he will become our next scapegoat as soon as the second game of the season .

I'm all for bringing a top 6 vet player to our roster, but i dont think Laine is the right fit for us.

Unicorns at this point.

It's the same sequence as usual:
1. GM pretends to be a good guy who wants to help the player.
2. Habs fans are interested.
3. Fans of the other club set pricing unrealistically high
4. Journalist speculates at least 3 clubs, including Montreal is in a race.
5. Another journalist reports only 1 club ever called in.
6....
7. Laine is likely wearing a Blue Jacket jersey on puck drop.

 

[BaseballCoach]

He is still quite literally in the PAP and coming off of a poor effort so I would hardly use age as an excuse. It is no secret that there were some concerns about him even prior to him being drafted but people seemed to give his odd behaviour a pass and just simply felt that he was a strange person. It appears as though there is and always was more serious issues and hopefully he is making progress as mental illness is a serious issue and his well being as a human supersedes his proficiency as a hockey player.

Hughes will want some level of confidence that these issues are resolved as paying him more than any player on the team despite all of the evidence that he may not be a team player is absolutely a risk to the culture by going against the principles that Hughes/Gorton have preached. They have been signing the core of this team to long term and likely team friendly deals based on a mutual commitment to winning and I am not so sure that bringing Laine in would be the best representation of that commitment, especially if he pulls the same crap that he has pulled under every coach that he has had.

There is a world where I could see Hughes trading for him but it would include serious salary retention and a modest return.....I suspect that Hughes will not compete with teams who may be willing to give up more than this. I also don't see a match in the assets that Columbus might want as they do not need dmen and Hughes isn't going to move any of our top forward prospect to secure two years of Laine imo.

We can afford to trade one of the following "top forward prospects" - Farrell, Heineman, Kidney. I'd move Mesar if they took Anderson or Price.

I would not move Roy, Demidov, Hage or Koivu for Laine.

 

[26Mats]

He is still quite literally in the PAP and coming off of a poor effort so I would hardly use age as an excuse. It is no secret that there were some concerns about him even prior to him being drafted but people seemed to give his odd behaviour a pass and just simply felt that he was a strange person. It appears as though there is and always was more serious issues and hopefully he is making progress as mental illness is a serious issue and his well being as a human supersedes his proficiency as a hockey player.

Hughes will want some level of confidence that these issues are resolved as paying him more than any player on the team despite all of the evidence that he may not be a team player is absolutely a risk to the culture by going against the principles that Hughes/Gorton have preached. They have been signing the core of this team to long term and likely team friendly deals based on a mutual commitment to winning and I am not so sure that bringing Laine in would be the best representation of that commitment, especially if he pulls the same crap that he has pulled under every coach that he has had.

There is a world where I could see Hughes trading for him but it would include serious salary retention and a modest return.....I suspect that Hughes will not compete with teams who may be willing to give up more than this. I also don't see a match in the assets that Columbus might want as they do not need dmen and Hughes isn't going to move any of our top forward prospect to secure two years of Laine imo.

We have extra d prospects: struble, Barron, Hartis.

We also have forward prospects that I'd sacrifice: Mesar, Farrell, Tuch. I'd have to know more about Kapanen and even Beck, and Laine, to part with one of them.

 

[Spring in Fialta]

Dude,

Go back and look at the archives even on this board. You think that wasn’t reflective of what he had to deal with in the real world? You think there wasn’t pressure? I don’t know what to say to you here.

The biggest insight we've gotten about Drouin is from a La Presse article a couple of months before he took leave.

It detailed that issues with Drouin came from an intense amount of self-pressure and obsession with hockey that had sometimes become very toxic to him, including in Tampa. In short, it detailed how he watched more hockey than anyone else and would even question Yzerman in Tampa as to why he made that or that move, even if it were not related to him. The article likened him to the main character in The Queen's Gambit.

At no point, before or after his leave, was it ever suggested that he wanted out and that he had requested a trade and clearly the Canadiens were not going to offer him a new contract.

Maybe he would have signed, maybe not, but what you posted was speculation and kind of misleading, albeit unintentionally of course.

 

[vokiel]

We have extra d prospects: struble, Barron, Hartis.

We also have forward prospects that I'd sacrifice: Mesar, Farrell, Tuch. I'd have to know more about Kapanen and even Beck, and Laine, to part with one of them.

Those aren't prospects no more. Barron and Harris are waiver eligible, which makes them less valuable by a lot and if Struble isn't, he's close to it.

 

[SwiftyHab]

Unicorns at this point.

It's the same sequence as usual:
1. GM pretends to be a good guy who wants to help the player.
2. Habs fans are interested.
3. Fans of the other club set pricing unrealistically high
4. Journalist speculates at least 3 clubs, including Montreal is in a race.
5. Another journalist reports only 1 club ever called in.
6....
7. Laine is likely wearing a Blue Jacket jersey on puck drop.

Don’t give away the game.

And what’s step 6?

 

[vokiel]

Don’t give away the game.

And what’s step 6?

Trade rumors slowly dying