NHL Rumours: Laine’s Future Jeopardized, Kadri and Andersson Trades & Woll Returns
Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine's future with the team is in question due to his persistent struggles with injuries. Laine, who missed 30 games last season, is now expected to be sidelined for another 30-40 games following core muscle surgery. This latest setback, which will keep him out of the lineup until February, has the Canadiens evaluating their options for scoring help.
Since joining the Canadiens, Laine has struggled to maintain consistent health and performance. While he showed promise upon his return last season, scoring 20 goals in 52 games, his impact has largely been concentrated on the power play. This season, he has been held scoreless in five games. With Laine set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason at the age of 28, the Canadiens may opt to seek more reliable options for their lineup. David Pagnotta of Daily Faceoff Live noted that the team will likely wait to see Laine's performance and consistency, particularly at five-on-five, before making any long-term decisions. The extended absence may lead the Canadiens to explore other avenues and potentially not bring Laine back in the offseason. A proposed trade has the Canadiens sending Laine back to the Blue Jackets in exchange for young forward Yegor Chinakhov.
The Calgary Flames are facing speculation regarding potential trades involving Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson. After a disappointing start to the season with only one win in their first eight games, the Flames may consider a retooling of their roster. Andersson has been the subject of trade rumors for over a year, as he is in the final season of his six-year contract. It is widely anticipated that he will be moved at some point this season. Andersson's preference is reportedly to be traded to either Dallas or Vegas, where he would be willing to sign a contract extension. He also has a six-team no-trade list in his contract, which will influence any potential deal.
Kadri, 35, is in the fourth year of his seven-year contract. Although not imminent, trade talks surrounding Kadri have emerged due to Calgary's poor performance. While Flames GM Craig Conroy has not committed to a full rebuild, he may entertain offers for Kadri later in the season if a team is willing to pay a premium. Kadri possesses a full no-movement clause that transitions to a 13-team no-trade list next season. Despite the trade buzz, moving Kadri this season appears unlikely due to his contract and no-movement clause, which gives him control over his destination. Any potential trade is more probable in the offseason.
In other news, Joseph Woll has returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs after a leave of absence.
