Laine Nearly Leafs-Bound in Habs Deadline Dance

The Canadiens pushed hard to move Patrik Laine before the deadline, with the Maple Leafs emerging as a prime suitor despite his hefty cap hit and injury baggage. Front offices whispered about Toronto easing the crunch via LTIR stunts with Tanev and Joshua, dangling a lowball package that Montreal might have bitten on for a fresh start. Laine's cannon shot tempted power-play dreams, but his one-way game and UFA status left GMs pausing, especially after he played just five games this season.