Darche’s Calculated Approach: Could Patrik Laine Be His Next Low-Cost Gamble?

Darche has prioritized low-risk, cost-effective moves ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Could Canadiens forward Patrik Laine be the next calculated swing to boost the Islanders’ scoring and power play?

New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche has made a few low-cost moves to try to solidify his playoff-hopeful lineup.

Even after taking on Ondrej Palat’s $6 million cap hit and Carson Soucy’s $3.25 million cap hit, the Islanders still have $6.02 million in available space to use before March 6’s NHL Trade Deadline.

While Darche has the assets to acquire a big fish — given that he owns two first-round picks and boasts a dynamic prospect pool — he’s only going to move those pieces if it’s for a player who can help the team now and for years down the line.

That brings us to Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine.