Fantasy Hockey: Patrik Laine To Montreal

Fantasy Hockey: Patrik Laine To Montreal

We knew this day was coming but now it’s finally happened. Montreal won the Patrik Laine sweepstakes and they even got a second round pick out of it as well somehow. Let’s talk about everything you need to know from a fantasy hockey angle. Do you guys even care about intro paragraphs? Let’s just get one with it.

First, let me start by saying that I hate this landing spot. It’s okay for fantasy but I just think a nightmare scenario still exists here. A guy who was miserable in Columbus probably won’t be less miserable in Montreal. Not in that market and that media. A player who is coming out of the player assistance program now being centered by Alex Newhook, who the Avalanche found out real quick wasn’t that good.

Let’s also mention the fact that injury history is a huge red flag here. The guy is just never on the ice. His last healthy season was way back in 2019-20. He hasn’t touched the 70 game mark since.

The plus side is that it has to be better than what it was in Columbus, right? The shot is still there. We’re talking about 40 goals in his sleep (when healthy and motivated). Being on a PP unit with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield sounds intriguing. You can certainly start talking yourself into it if Laine is actually Laine. I’m just skeptical we’re going to see that guy int his environment. Especially if he’s on the second line and Newhook is centering him.

In terms of fantasy assets in Columbus, I would rank them Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Laine, and Guhle in that order.

I don’t mind taking the shot on Laine but I can’t recommend reaching for him either. There is potential for this to work. I just can’t see it being the type of work that turns into a league winner. Price will be key but proceed with caution.

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