Eric Engels Calls A Laine Trade To Montréal "Highly Unlikely"

Eric Engels Calls A Laine Trade To Montréal "Highly Unlikely"

Senior Columnist for SportsNet Eric Engels went on the Sick Podcast and had some things to say about Jackets forward Patrik Laine.

He was asked if thought the Montréal Canadiens had any interest in Patrik Laine. Engels says "I'd say it's quite minimal. You know I've obviously poked around on this. At the end of the day, let's be real about this situation, Patrik Laine is on the market for a reason. it's not just because of the Players Assistance Program, which he's come out of, and now teams have the opportunity to speak to him, speak to his agent, find out where he's at mentally, physically. His play on the ice aside from putting up good goal numbers, which obviously have diminished over the last couple years, it just has been lacking in different departments. He wants a new start, I could understand that. Would he be willing to accept it anywhere? We'll find out." 

He goes on to say, "As far as Montréal's 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 how many teams are willing to give him an opportunity, and I don't know that the Montréal Canadiens are one of them. They feel that they have an extremely healthy room, whether or not they'd want to incorporate somebody like him and what he's coming with into it at this juncture of their development is a question. He also comes with an $8.7 million cap charge and a $9.1 million actual salary, and if the Canadiens were to even consider taking on the full weight of that, which they could do based on their cap situation, you would think that would be coming, if you see the way Kent Hughes has been operating for the last few years, with a cost to Columbus, not a benefit. I don't think they're offering up all kinds of packages to get him and leading the race, quote unquote."

"I really think it's a real longshot if the Canadiens are able to take on Laine and get an asset with him. Maybe this becomes something that, down the line could happen, but I think it's highly unlikely," Engels said. 

They go on to talk about Laine some more, you can watch the episode below. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbAa6p_u08I[/embed]

GM Don Waddell has come out and said that very few teams have called about Laine, but rumors about him being tied to Montréal have persisted. 

Of course with most rumors, they're just that until something concrete comes out. 

There is still a chance that Patrik Laine will be on the team come opening night, but that is the least ideal option at this point. 

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

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