Canadiens Trade of Key Forward ‘Pretty Unlikely’ for Now, per Analyst originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Patrik Laine’s name has been in the trade rumor mill since the Montreal Canadiens acquired him a year ago as part of their 2024 offseason moves.
This summer, speculation is back on the table with Laine entering his final year under contract and the Canadiens facing the decision of either trading him before it’s too late or risking losing him for nothing next summer.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, however, a Laine move isn’t imminent at this point in the offseason, about two months from the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
Speaking on Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook, Seravalli downplayed the chances of the Canadiens dealing the veteran winger this summer.
NHL Insider Notebook with @frank_seravalli
💰 Jackson Blake extension
🌀 Canes are building their core
🐧 Erik Karlsson rumors/landing spots
🇸🇪 Backstrom to SwedenWatch in the B/R app at 1:30pm ET ➡️ https://t.co/GcW4fbL8lCpic.twitter.com/H2ZziAjz7D
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) July 29, 2025
“I think, probably pretty unlikely at this point,” Seravalli said. “Let’s see how the season starts, and let’s see what kind of productivity level he finds.”
Laine is entering the final season of his four-year, $34.8 million contract, one that includes a modified, 10-team no-trade list.
The winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, which naturally fits the speculation and questions about his trade value and future in Montreal.
Canadiens Keeping All Options Open
Sportsnet’s Eric Engels said at the end of June that he thought Montreal would be open to a deal if a suitable offer emerged.
“Canadiens don’t have an answer to that right now… saying we think we can win with this guy. [Patrik Laine] has the opportunity to change that perception with what he does this offseason.”@EricEngels on #GoHabsGo‘s plan with Laine with @Mattymar89 & @FutaMichael. pic.twitter.com/SmmvIpZd2C
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) June 23, 2025
“If the phone rang and somebody wanted to take on the last year of Patrik Laine’s deal, I don’t think the Canadiens would necessarily hesitate to ship it out,” Engels said.
Performance May Define Patrik Laine’s Future
Laine had an up-and-down season in 2024-25, missing two months with a knee injury and breaking a finger during the playoffs.
Despite limited availability in his first season with the Habs, Laine managed 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points in 52 regular-season games, and added one assist in two playoff appearances.
As Seravalli noted, productivity will be the deciding factor in what’s next for Laine and the Canadiens, as both sides will hope for a bounce-back season after he failed to score at least 50 points (minimum 50 games played) for the first time in his career.
“If he stays healthy and productive,” Seravalli said, “the Canadiens might look to keep hold of him, or would at least see improved trade packages in return.”
Related: NHL Analyst Links Former Canadiens Captain to Montreal Return in Free Agency
Related: Canadiens Predicted to Explore Trades in Order to Clear Path for Prospects
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
