Patrik Laine didn't waive his no-trade clause, and Kent Hughes explains why
During the press scrum held just minutes after the blockbuster trade involving Finnish player Patrik Laine, Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes revealed some information that initially caused concern but, upon further explanation, was actually positive.
The Finnish forward, drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, did not waive his no-movement clause to join the Canadiens. At first, some listeners might have interpreted this as him not wanting to come to Montreal. However, the reality is that the Canadiens were not on his list of teams where he didn't want to play.
This is excellent news and speaks volumes about his desire to join the team led by Martin St-Louis. His interest in coming to play in Montreal was evident in the answers he gave to the journalists.
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to see NHL stars shun Montreal, primarily due to the harsh winter, high taxes, or the intense media coverage surrounding the team. Some players prefer sunny climates, tranquility, or simply having more money in their pockets-and some want all three.
But that's not the case for Patrik Laine.
He has just gained a lot of points with management, his teammates, and especially the fans! Montreal was never on his no-trade list. On the contrary, he wanted to land in a hockey-centric destination.
Patrik Laine is Very Happy to Play for the Montreal Canadiens
This information comes directly from Kent Hughes.
A few days ago, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell commented on Patrik Laine's situation, stating that he wanted players who wanted to play in Columbus.
This is likely something that his counterpart, Kent Hughes, agrees with. He must be relieved to know that Patrik Laine wants to play here in Montreal!
For the future, Kent Hughes knows that the Finnish player could be vulnerable, as seen last season. He's aware that the work ahead will be tough, but his expectations will be moderate. He simply wants to see Patrik Laine help the Canadiens' cause. Laine needs to be a key player in the success of the team during the 2024-2025 season.
It won't just be about his goal count. His evaluation won't hinge on whether he scores 20 or 40 goals. What will truly matter at the end of next season is his ability to consistently put in the effort and contribute to the team's success.
More details to follow.
| POLL | ||
How many points will Patrik Laine have in a complete 82 games season with thw Habs in 2024-2025? | ||
| Less than 50 points | 25 | 9 % |
| 50 to 59 points | 65 | 23.5 % |
| 60 to 69 points | 92 | 33.2 % |
| 70 points or more | 95 | 34.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
