Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens: Eric Engels confirms the rumor

PUBLICATION

David St-Jean
August 8, 2024 (2:43 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

There are many rumors from various sources about Patrik Laine and the Canadiens, but when it comes from Eric Engels, it becomes very credible.

Indeed, the Sportsnet journalist who covers the Canadiens daily has very good internal sources, and when he comments on a rumor, he is rarely wrong.

Right now, all eyes are on Patrik Laine, and it's understandable since he is officially on the market and his own GM admits he is trying to trade him at his request.

In short, it's no secret and as long as he isn't traded, there will be rumors. That's also normal, but the strong link to the Canadiens is surprising.

Kent Hughes likes good hockey players who are good individuals. Without taking anything away from Laine or implying anything, his reputation does not quite align with that.

"His game is just not up to par in all aspects excluding scoring goals. As for the Canadiens, does Laine really want to leave the player assistance program only to jump into the lion's den that is the Montreal market? I am also told that the atmosphere in the Montreal locker room is very healthy. So, do you really want to risk disrupting that?" - Eric Engels, via TVA Sports

According to Eric Engels, the Canadiens' interest is very minimal, so much so that he doesn't understand the rumors linking him to Montreal.

"I would say the interest is quite minimal. Obviously, I've looked into it a bit. It made me laugh to see posts on X suggesting that the Canadiens were leading the race for his services." - Eric Engels, via TVA Sports

Therefore, Kent Hughes does not have much interest in the Finnish forward, which is understandable given the circumstances. The offer would have to be impossible to refuse.

"The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Don Waddell, would therefore need to water down his demands significantly to hope to trade Laine to the Canadiens without retaining a substantial portion of his salary." - TVA Sports

I would love to have a top scorer like Laine with the Canadiens, but he is not known for being a hard worker, which is something Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis fear.

Credit: Marqueur.com
Échange de Patrik Laine au CH: Eric Engels vient de faire toute une déclaration

POLL
Are you surprised to learn that the Canadiens' interest in Patrik Laine is minimal, as mentioned by Eric Engels?
Yes	129	41.1 %
No	185	58.9 %
List of polls