Kent Hughes consulted an important member of Habs before acquiring Patrik Laine

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Carl Vaillancourt
August 23, 2024 (11:55 PM)

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A transaction as significant as the one Kent Hughes completed a few days ago can have both positive and negative impacts in a team's locker room. General Manager Kent Hughes is well aware of this, and he took a surprising step before finalizing the trade.

Kent Hughes consulted his captain, Nick Suzuki, about the situation and the trade he was about to make with Don Waddell.

Nick Suzuki himself confirmed this information. The team captain endorsed the decision and expressed his support for Kent Hughes' choice to move forward with the acquisition of Patrik Laine.

Kent Hughes consulted Nick Suzuki before acquiring Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets

For those who still doubted that Kent Hughes did his homework before completing such a transaction, here is another very clear proof.

See Nick Suzuki's exact words, as reported by the excellent journalist Jonathan Bernier.

"I told him that it would be quite an acquisition to add a guy who can score goals, as long as he comes in with a very good attitude," Suzuki said. "I also spoke to Laine. He seems ready and very excited. So, I don't see any problem."

- Nick Suzuki, via TVA Sports

When asked about Patrik Laine's experiences in Columbus and Winnipeg, the Canadiens' captain shared his thoughts, admitting that he wasn't worried at all.

"It doesn't worry me too much. Our group is one where anyone can integrate easily. We're all guys who love showing up at the arena every day and who have a lot of fun together. The transition will be smooth for him."

- Nick Suzuki, via TVA Sports

Moreover, with a head coach like Martin St-Louis, the transition for the Finnish player is obviously made easier.

It is clear that the locker room culture in Montreal is nothing like that in Columbus and Winnipeg. We can be confident that Patrik Laine will fit well into the Canadiens' locker room, and after speaking to several sources who know Patrik Laine well as an individual, it seems that we are dealing with a young man who truly wants to be a good teammate. He was looking for a fresh start and intends to prove that he can help a team reach the top of the standings.

Source: TVA Sports
Acquisition de Patrik Laine: « On est prêt à commencer à gagner » - Nick Suzuki