Kent Hughes Explores Eight Solutions for the Patrik Laine Dilemma

Casey Halston

Published: January 24, 2026 1:48 AM ET

Patrik Laine’s situation with the Montreal Canadiens has become a topic of intense discussion. As a Finnish player who recently underwent abdominal surgery, Laine returned to practice after being sidelined since mid-October. However, his future with the team remains uncertain as he struggles to secure a stable spot in the lineup.

Kent Hughes Explores Eight Solutions for the Patrik Laine Dilemma

General Manager Kent Hughes faces the challenge of managing the roster with Laine, who adds complications to the team’s salary cap situation. The Canadiens currently have 24 players, exceeding the permitted limit of 23. Here are eight potential solutions to address Laine’s predicament:

1. Contract Buyout (Impossible)

The simplest solution would be a contract buyout. However, this option is only available at the end of June, just before Laine’s four-year contract signed in July 2022 expires. Therefore, this option isn’t viable.

2. Contract Termination (Challenging)

Hughes may consider terminating Laine’s contract, similar to the situation involving Alexandre Texier. While reasonable from the Canadiens’ perspective, it would require Laine to forfeit nearly half of his $8.7 million salary this season, making this option less appealing for the player.

3. Trade (Difficult)

Trading Laine is a potential route, but it might require Hughes to offer a draft pick to persuade another team to take him. Additionally, Laine’s no-trade clause restricts him to ten teams, complicating the process.

4. Conditioning Assignment in the AHL (Possible but Complicated)

Laine could be assigned to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) to recover from his injury. However, this requires his consent. Even if successful, this would only delay the main issue since his name would remain active on the roster.

5. Injured Reserve (Strategic)

Another tactic is to place Laine on the injured reserve list. This move would allow the Canadiens to temporarily deactivate him, thus providing flexibility in roster management.

6. Send a Player to Laval (Scenario 1)

Several players, such as Lane Hutson and Zachary Bolduc, could potentially be sent to Laval without going through waivers.
Choosing Bolduc is an option, but time is of the essence.

7. Send a Player to Laval (Scenario 2)

Hughes might also consider another risky approach by sending a player to Laval and hoping they aren’t claimed on waivers, as he learned the hard way with Samuel Blais.

8. Place Texier on Injured List (Clever Move)

Alexandre Texier is currently out due to a lower-body injury. Officially placing him on the injured list could free up space for Laine, allowing a smoother re-entry into the lineup.

As Hughes weighs these eight solutions for the Patrik Laine dilemma, the future of the Finnish star remains uncertain. The coming days and weeks will be crucial as the Canadiens navigate roster challenges and seek the best outcome for their team.