Major development in the Patrik Laine and Canadiens case
Kent Hughes doesn't have many options left to improve his offense, but one that remains is acquiring Patrik Laine.
We know the GM has worked on the cases of Trevor Zegras and Martin Necas, but their respective GMs are too demanding in Hughes' eyes, and he is evidently not willing to pay the asking price.
Regarding Laine, we know from a reliable source that Kent Hughes is interested and there are discussions with the Blue Jackets.
After all, the Canadiens' GM is looking to add goals and size to the team, which the Finnish player perfectly fits.
Aside from the issue of his $8.7 million salary, it seems that Don Waddell is also more demanding than expected. He's asking a lot for Laine, but he doesn't have much wiggle room.
Kent Hughes is one of the few GMs with enough cap space to absorb Laine's salary. Other interested teams would undoubtedly need the Jackets to retain 50% or more of his salary, which is problematic.
Despite all this, the main reason a trade is currently impossible is the uncertainty surrounding Laine being in the NHL's Player Assistance Program.
No one knows if he can come out of it or play soon.
- Aaron Portzline
In short, Kent Hughes is interested in Patrik Laine, he has contacted Don Waddell about it, and the two men are negotiating, but as long as there is no clarity about his future with the Assistance Program, no trade is possible, and that's what's currently blocking the deal.
Source: Marqueur.com
Patrik Laine échangé au Canadien: on sait enfin ce qui bloque une transaction
| POLL | ||
Would you accept Kent Hughes acquiring Patrik Laine even if he becomes the highest-paid player on the team? | ||
| Yes | 122 | 39.5 % |
| No | 187 | 60.5 % |
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