Should the Oilers Pull the Trigger on a Laine Trade?
The closer we get to the trade deadline, the louder the chatter gets about the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens possibly swapping Patrik Laine for Andrew Mangiapane. Is it a good idea for the Oilers? How would it work for the Canadiens?
Honestly, it might be worth a look—mainly if Montreal covers half of Laine’s salary.
Laine Brings Firepower to the Oilers.
Let’s start with Laine. If the Canadiens retain $4.35 million of his cap hit, he suddenly becomes much more affordable for Edmonton. He’s a guy who can light up the scoreboard, especially on the power play. Fifteen power-play goals last season in Montreal prove what he can do. Picture him skating with McDavid and Draisaitl—the potential for highlight-reel plays is huge.
Sure, Laine hasn’t been tearing it up in Montreal. He’s only back from an injury, but 33 points in 52 games last season and a -17 plus/minus rating aren’t exactly superstar numbers. But sometimes a fresh start is all a player needs. Laine thrives when the system clicks with his offensive style, and Edmonton’s top two? That could be the perfect spark to get him rolling again.
What About Mangiapane to the Habs?
Then there’s Andrew Mangiapane. He hasn’t exactly set Edmonton on fire this season either. He’s more of a two-way guy, but his -19 rating shows it’s been a struggle. Letting him go might sting a little, since he could start to find his groove, but the potential upside with Laine is hard to ignore.
Trades are always a gamble. Laine comes with a hefty price tag and some inconsistencies. But if the Oilers are serious about pushing deep in the playoffs, bringing in a guy with his skill at half salary could be a smart bet. He’d give Edmonton another scoring threat on top of McDavid and Draisaitl, which is enormous for any playoff run.
Could This Trade Work for Both Teams?
For Montreal, moving Laine frees up some cap room and lets them start retooling. Mangiapane could fit their style and long-term plans better. He has another year of contract term. Laine’s on an expiring contract.
All in all, a deal sending Laine to Edmonton with half his salary retained could actually make sense for both sides. The Oilers get a potential scoring weapon, and the Canadiens get space and flexibility. Should Edmonton pull the trigger? Yeah.
Sometimes you have to take a risk to win big, and the deadline is the time to do it. Let’s see what happens.