The Daily: How Laine Helps the Canadiens; Prospect Update

Montreal Hockey Now’s analysis of the Patrik Laine acquisition is that the Montreal Canadiens will benefit. It’s just a question of whether they are adding secondary scoring or an impact performer.

“Laine is no longer the dominant player he once was,” MHN’s Marc Dumont wrote. “Expecting another 40-goal year right off the bat would be unreasonable, but the rumours of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. He has produced 117 points in the last 129 games while dealing with personal issues that made it rather difficult to focus on hockey. Now that he has been released from the NHL and NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program, it will take him some time to get back up to speed, especially given that he has not played since 2023, but logic dictates that once he removes the rust, he will have an easier time getting back to doing what he loves, and what he does best: frustrating opposing goalies.”

Dumont believes at the very worst, Laine will provide the Habs with secondary scoring.

“But the upside of this situation would lead to the Canadiens putting a significant piece in place that may allow them to take the next step in their rebuild,”  Dumont writes. “That next step may not happen as early as next season, as chemistry is always difficult to project.”

The Canadiens did give up a handy defenseman to Columbus in the deal.

“He’s actually one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL,” Dumont said. “If he was right-handed, he would have surely remained on the team. Harris represents a good, smart, young player with a future in leadership both on and off the ice, the Habs could afford to take from their strength, defensive depth, to improve their greatest weakness, offensive creativity.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings player Valtteri Filppula will own a piece of a Finnish team after he plays for it this season.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard leads five Detroit prospects in EP Rinkside’s Top 100 Prospects. Only the San Jose Sharks have more players in the top 50.

Yikes. Critics don’t love new movie starring ex-Red Wings player Brett Hull. 

Red Wings Offseason

Filip Zadina is among the few experienced free agents still in the marketplace. Although Zadina hasn’t developed into the scorer that NHL scouts projected he would be, he did score 13 goals. He has value. You would think some team would offer him a two-way contract with a minimum salary. Zadina is only 24.

Hockey Now Network

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey explains why the Flyers should pursue a trade for Nashville goalie Yaroslav Askarov. Philadelphia Flyers.

San Jose: Sheng Peng looks at whether the Sharks should look at acquiring Askarov. San Jose Sharks. 

Washington: Don’t forget that Andrew Mangiapane is playing for a new contract. Washington Capitals.