What It Would Take for Montreal to Re‑Sign Laine

Montreal inherited Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit when they acquired him, and that contract expired after 2025–26.  Given his injury history — including appearing in only five games in 2025–26 due to a core muscle injury — he no longer fits the profile of a multi‑year, big‑money signing.  Analysts agree his next deal must be short-term, low‑guarantee, and bonus‑laden, with top‑six minutes and power‑play deployment baked into the plan.  Montreal would need to commit to giving him meaningful offensive opportunities, especially on the man advantage, where he still produces at a high rate (15 of his 20 goals in 2024–25 came on the power play). 

The projected cost is surprisingly modest:

Base salary: $1–2 million

Performance bonuses: $2–4 million

Role guarantees: Top‑six usage + PP1 time

This structure mirrors what cap‑strapped contenders use for risky scorers. It protects Montreal from major cap damage while giving Laine a chance to rebuild his value. It also aligns with his eligibility for bonus-heavy contracts due to time spent on injured reserve. 

However, Montreal must consider the opportunity cost: committing PP1 touches and top‑six minutes to a player who has missed significant time — 98 games over three seasons in Columbus before arriving in Montreal, plus most of 2025–26. 

Positives of Re‑Signing Laine

Elite scoring upside: Even in limited seasons, Laine has posted 20+ goals in three of the last five years when healthy. 

Power‑play weapon: His one‑timer remains lethal; Montreal’s PP could benefit from a dedicated trigger man. 

Low financial risk: A bonus-heavy deal minimizes cap exposure and could yield strong value if he rebounds.

Trade‑deadline asset potential: If he performs well, Montreal could flip him for picks at the deadline — assuming he stays healthy and waives any trade protection.


Negatives of Re‑Signing Laine

Durability concerns: Laine’s recurring injuries make him one of the least reliable players in the league in terms of availability. 

Fit issues: His five‑on‑five impact in Montreal has been limited; he often disappears unless set up perfectly on the power play. 

Lineup disruption: Montreal’s second line is stable, and the first line is untouchable. There’s no obvious spot for Laine without bumping a developing young forward. 

Cap/bonus complications: His previous contract included a bonus structure that complicated trade attempts; Montreal must ensure any new deal avoids similar pitfalls. 


Final Takeaway

Re‑signing Patrik Laine can work — but only under a strictly controlled, low‑risk contract and with a clear plan for his usage. Montreal would be betting on a high‑ceiling scorer who has struggled to stay healthy and struggled to fit their system. The upside is real, but the downside is equally significant: roster disruption, stalled development for younger wingers, and the possibility of another season where Laine contributes little due to injury.

If Montreal believes their medical staff, power‑play structure, and locker room stability can help Laine rediscover his game, a one‑year bonus-heavy deal is a smart gamble. If not, the Canadiens may be better off letting the experiment end.

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