Elliotte Friedman links Canadiens' Patrik Laine to pacific division team

Now that the 2026 Olympic Games are done and dusted, attention turns back to the National Hockey League, and with just a few weeks until the trade deadline, things are going to heat up rather quickly.

With some clear buyers and some clear sellers heading into the deadline, there's expected to be plenty of movement in the coming days, with Montreal's Patrik Laine shaping up as a clear trade candidate for the Canadiens.

Laine was a low-risk, high-reward option for Montreal when they acquired him in the summer of 2024, but unfortunately, injuries and inconsistencies have held him back from becoming a star in Montreal, as he's posted just 20 goals and 34 points in 57 games over the past two seasons.

While he's been noted as a trade candidate, it's more likely than not going to be a salary dump play from GM Kent Hughes here, and now, one top contender has been identified as a potential landing spot for Laine by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.

While it's unclear what a deal would look like for the Los Angeles Kings to acquire Laine, Friedman notes that after losing Kevin Fiala for the year due to an injury at the Olympics, Laine could be a cheap option to replace him, especially in a salary cap dump situation.

Ultimately, when healthy and confident, Laine can score goals like few others in the NHL, and while he's struggled to find consistency, if the Kings believe his talent is worth it, don't be shocked to see them pursue the talented winger.

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