Eric Engels speculates Montreal Canadiens’ interest in $34.8M Patrik Laine [Images via IMAGN]

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been in the headlines since making a public trade request. While rumors have linked the player to the Montreal Canadiens, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels is not convinced a trade to the Habs is likely this offseason.

While speaking on “The Sick Podcast” on Thursday, Engels was asked to share his take on a possible move for Laine to Montreal. In response, he made it clear that the Montreal Canadiens likely have very little interest in acquiring Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I’d say it’s quite minimal. You know, I’ve obviously poked around on this,” he said.

Engels mentioned that he found it amusing that some rumors suggest the Canadiens are “frontrunners” to land Laine, even though he doesn’t see much truth in those claims. He explained that Laine is on the market for a reason. While the forward has talent, his overall performance has declined in recent years, and he may be looking for a fresh start.

“As far as Montreal is concerned, I wonder, would he want to jump out of the Players Assistance Program and into this type of spotlight? I don’t know. It depends on how many teams are willing to give him an opportunity. And I don’t know that the Montreal Canadiens are one of them,” Engels added.

The NHL analyst also mentioned that Laine’s hefty contract, with a cap hit of $8.7 million and an actual salary of $9.1 million, would be a significant consideration for any team looking to acquire him. Even though Montreal could technically afford it, Engels believes that the Canadiens would only take on Laine’s contract if Columbus were to “sweeten” the deal.

Fans divided over Patrik Laine’s possible move to the Montreal Canadiens

While Eric Engels made it clear that the Montreal Canadiens aren’t the frontrunners to acquire Patrik Laine this off-season, fans were divided over the idea of having him in Montreal. They let their opinions be known in the comment section.

Following are some fan reactions from X, formerly known as Twitter:

“Not ‘guaranteed to be a Hab’ like PLD I Guess,” quipped one fan.

“Good last thing he needs coming out of the program is to come right into the MTL media fishbowl. Maybe in a Monahan situation where the Habs are compensated to take on that massive cap hit for 2 years (or Habs can unload 11’s contract for ex.) Not happening, so no thx,” wrote another user.

Some fans agreed with Engels that it wasn’t the likeliest trade, while others praised the player’s skill set. Some believed that Laine could be an asset for the Habs if he joins next season.

“I hope Engles is wrong! Liane is a great goal scorer with size. He’s over paid but, it’s only for two years to try and prove himself. I bet the Jackets would be willing to eat a portion of the contract with some sweetners. Habs have a lot of options,” opined one user.

“Montreal needs him. Laine would bring a lot to the team’s offense and having a player like that will only reinforce the overall scoring tendency down the lines. Also his contract has got only two seasons left,” seconded another fan.

Patrik Laine is currently on a four-year $34.8 million contract with the Blue Jackets, originally signed in July 2022. Laine also has a no-trade clause in his contract for 10 teams. Now it remains to be seen who could be the possible suitors of the 26-year-old forward.