Reports from last week had linked Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine to the Los Angeles Kings, but talks seemed to go quiet. Now with the injury to Andrei Kuzmenko, the Kings are in need of some scoring help and have circled back on Laine.
Last week, it was reported by The Fourth Period that the Los Angeles Kings had shown some level of interest in Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine. However, nothing came of it as talks seemingly went quiet.
Now with the injury to Andrei Kuzmenko, in addition to the absence of Kevin Fiala the Kings are searching for some much needed scoring help on the wing, and they have reportedly circled back on the Habs Finish sniper.
According to David Pagnotta trade talks surrounding Laine have picked up and the Kings are at the fore front of teams showing interest.
Kuzmenko recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and now finds himself on the IR while being listed as week-to-week. With their season currently in limbo, the absences of Fiala and now Kuzmenko will prove to be detrimental to a team that struggles to put the puck in the net.
Despite having a very up and down season, Kuzmenko is one of the Kings more reliable depth scorers, with 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points in 52 games.
Patrik Laine seems like the obvious choice to slot into the Kings now injury depleted lineup. He will come at a low cost due to his $8.7M AAV as well as the Canadiens currently not having a spot in their lineup for the 27-year-old winger. Whether Montreal is willing to retain a portion of his salary is unknown, but would certainly lower the price further.
Laine's Habs career started off strong last season with 20 goals in 52 games, but season the former 2nd overall pick has appeared in just five games, registering just one assist. He has been sidelined since October 16th after undergoing core muscle surgery.
If Laine truly does come at a low cost, the King could benefit from adding the former 40 goal scorer to a roster that is currently in offensive disarray.
With talks intensifying, expect Laine to be moved before the March 6th deadline, whether he's dealt to the Kings or elsewhere.
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