The Canadiens are reportedly mixed on Patrik Laine, according to journalist Eric Engels
The Patrik Laine situation has generated a lot of discussion, and now a new piece of information shared by journalist Eric Engels might dampen the enthusiasm of fans.
According to the experienced journalist, the Canadiens are more hesitant or uncertain about acquiring the Finnish player.
The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets doesn't plan on making things easy for his Canadiens counterpart, but overall, the gamble could be risky and might ultimately cost the Habs a lot over the next two seasons.
It's no surprise that the new Blue Jackets GM, Don Waddell, recently stated that he was willing to help the team that acquires Laine by retaining a portion of his salary. This suggests that the offer may not be as attractive as he initially imagined.
A Patrik Laine at $6.5 million or $5.5 million is very different from a Laine at $8.7 million. This is likely what Kent Hughes has been aiming for from the start.
Canadien de Montréal: développement important pour la transaction Patrik Laine
- Don Waddell
Eric Engels confirms that the Montreal Canadiens' interest in Patrik Laine is mixed and minimal, for now
According to what the journalist revealed to Tony Marinaro during a recent edition of the Sick Podcast, the Canadiens only have minimal interest in Laine.
The journalist believes that acquiring Patrik Laine in a market like Montreal, especially since he recently left the NHL's player assistance program, might not be the best idea. Kent Hughes has worked hard with the hiring of Martin St-Louis and a few personnel changes to create a better culture in the locker room. The Patrik Laine gamble could either pay off big or go very wrong.
Patrik Laine requested a trade from his new boss a few weeks ago. This had nothing to do with the player assistance program! There are several other reasons, and interested teams are aware of his flaws, as he has been in the NHL for a few years now.
Knowing this, Engels finds the various rumors linking the Finnish player to the Canadiens somewhat amusing. Yes, the Habs need a scorer, but Laine is not the player they currently need, even if he returns to form, which the journalist greatly hopes.
It seems that general manager Kent Hughes has made inquiries, but it would be surprising to see him acquire Patrik Laine.
Source: DansLesCoulissesPatrik Laine : un «intérêt minimal» du Canadien
| POLL | ||
18 AOUT | 237 ANSWERS The Canadiens are reportedly mixed on Patrik Laine, according to journalist Eric Engels According to you, what is the value of Patrik Laine in 2024-2025? | ||
| 5 to 6 M$ | 139 | 58.6 % |
| 6 to 7 M$ | 59 | 24.9 % |
| 7 to 8 M$ | 26 | 11 % |
| More than 8 M$ | 13 | 5.5 % |
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