The Montreal Canadiens may receive reinforcements up front in the near future.
Forward Patrik Laine returned to practice with the team on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a left knee strain in a preseason game on September 28. He skated alone before practice, then joined the rest of the squad in a non-contact jersey for 15 minutes. The 26-year-old winger is scheduled to make his regular-season debut for the Habs in December.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard is also nearing a return after undergoing surgery for a broken leg in July. The 25-year-old winger was assigned to the AHL’s Laval Rocket on a long-term injury conditioning assignment as he prepares to return to the Canadiens’ lineup.
With a probable logjam up front, general manager Kent Hughes may consider dealing a forward to make room for returning players.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger joined on TSN690 radio to discuss potential trade possibilities involving the Habs.
“What I can tell you is that clubs that have struggled or are not quite where they expected to be, I’d definitely place Montreal in that category, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are even lower down the ladder, but in that area, they’re having a lot of discussions. “It makes sense that you’d see a connection there,” Dreger explained.
The Canadiens are 7-10-2 and are bottom in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. The Penguins have 18 points (7-10-4) and are last in the Metropolitan Division.
“[Penguins GM] Kyle Dubas and company, the Penguins’ scouts, have been heavily scouting the Montreal Canadiens.” Pittsburgh has some intriguing pieces up front, and if you’re the Canadiens, you identify certain needs and expect long-term rewards. If you don’t see a player’s long-term benefits and Pittsburgh is interested in that guy, you might consider taking back an expiring deal,” Dreger said. “The Pittsburgh Penguins have some expiring contracts that won’t hurt you for the rest of the season.” Perhaps you acquire a sweetener that
“I believe there is a rationale to connect Montreal and Pittsburgh. There is nothing close. There is nothing impending. But now that the Canadiens are getting healthier, perhaps the chance to strike with Pittsburgh or someone else will come soon.
Laine was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets this offseason, along with a draft pick, in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris. The Tampere, Finland native has played 480 NHL games, earning 204 goals and 388 points for the Jets and Blue Jackets.
Harvey-Pinard was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2019 draft and has 17 goals and 14 helpers in 83 career appearances.
