The Athletic's Arpon Basu Has A Trade Proposal That Sends Patrik Laine To The Montréal Canadiens

The Athletic's Arpon Basu has a trade proposal that is sure to ruffle some feathers in Columbus. 

In a podcast, Basu talks about what it would take to get Laine into Montréal. As just about everyone is doing with these proposals, talks of Columbus retaining salary are all the rage. But he has two trade scenarios including one that doesn't require salary retention. 

His trade proposal makes sense but would Columbus go for it?

According to Basu, this trade could benefit both teams. 

TRADE 

Montréal Receives: Patrik Laine (with no salary retention) & the 4th overall pick in 2024

Columbus Receives: 5th overall pick in 2024

REACTION

Columbus is going to have several of their top choices available to draft at four overall. This trade would depend on who they feel they want more. The talk out of Montréal is that the Habs want Cayden Lindstrom or Ivan Demidov, but both Lindstrom and Demidov could be gone if they stay at 5. 

Would Columbus be willing to sacrifice drafting Cayden Lindstrom, who most mock drafts have them taking at 4, to rid themselves of Patrik Laine's contract in full? Is trading Laine's full $8.7 million worth dropping a spot?

Most mock drafts have the top four picks as Celebrini, Levshunov, Silayev, and then Lindstrom. But Ivan Demidov has shot up the boards the last week or so and could be in play for Chicago at two instead of Levshunov. Chicago picking Demidov could throw everything into chaos but could make the picture a lot clearer for teams like the Habs or CBJ. 

If Columbus isn't sold on Lindstrom or his injury situation, they could very easily make this trade. But if Lindstrom is their guy, they'll need to find another trade partner to ship Laine off. 

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

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