Patrik Laine still looking for a contract for next season
Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette: 28-year-old forward Patrik Laine is still looking for a contract for next season. Since free agency opened, the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and recently the Philadelphia Flyers, have been linked to Laine.
He’s dealt with injuries lately, and was limited to only five games last season.
The Rangers make sense as their offense struggled last season. The Wild and Lightning seem unlikely. Does Laine really seem like someone who would fit well with Flyers coach Rick Tocchet?
A team could offer Laine $1 million, and then do bonuses for games played, goals and points. He’s really only a fit in a top-six, so his options are limited. One source said he may not get a deal before the end of the offseason.
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David Alter of The Hockey News: Patrik Laine could be a high-reward, low-risk addition for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He brings scoring and can be signed to a low-salary, bonus-laden contract. He can still shoot and put up power-play numbers.
He does bring a health risk and doesn’t do much defensively. He’s a one-trick pony. If the Maple Leafs do decide to give him a shot, he could fit in their top-six, on the second power play unit, and be a potential 20-plus goal guy. If he doesn’t work out, it should be easy to move/bury his contract.
A change of scenery might do Sam Montembeault some good
Brendan Kelly of the Montreal Gazette: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault had a terrible season last year. Some may feel that Jacob Fowler isn’t quite ready and should start the year in the AHL, with Montembeault backing up Jakob Dobes.
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The Canadiens, though, should be looking to move on from Montembeault. Fowler would give the Canadiens a better chance of winning over Montembeault, and that is all the Canadiens should be thinking about. A change of scenery might do Montembeault good. He’s in the final year of his deal at $3.15 million. There’s already been some goalie trades this offseason, but is there anyone still looking for help and to give Montembeault a shot?
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