Change of plans in the Patrik Laine situation, and it's big for the Canadiens
Patrik Laine has been linked to the Canadiens for several weeks now, and this speculation will probably continue until he is traded.
It's quite straightforward, as Kent Hughes has openly stated his desire to add goal-scoring to his lineup, and Laine is a prolific scorer.
Moreover, the question is not whether Patrik Laine will be traded but when. Everyone knows he wants out of Columbus, and the GM is looking for a trade partner.
Don Waddell reveals big information about his plans for Patrik Laine
The Jackets' GM has explicitly said that he could have traded Laine much earlier but wanted to explore his options due to salary retention considerations.
"Waddell even stated that he would be willing to retain part of Laine's salary if necessary to facilitate a trade.
'Maybe we'll end up retaining part of his salary. If I wanted to retain half of his salary, I would have already traded him, but that's not my first choice.'"
- Don Waddell
'Maybe we'll end up retaining part of his salary. If I wanted to retain half of his salary, I would have already traded him, but that's not my first choice.'"
- Don Waddell
For Kent Hughes, who has set a salary scale with Nick Suzuki as the highest-paid player, bringing in Laine at $8.7 million per year—nearly $1 million more than the captain—for two seasons would be quite problematic.
With salary retention, it makes a big difference and could fit within his salary structure.
Personally, I no longer truly believe in Laine's arrival and hope that the offer Kent Hughes rejected for Trevor Zegras will come back to the table.
Recall that Hughes refused to trade Logan Mailloux and the 21st overall pick from the last draft for Zegras and a second-round pick from the Ducks.
If such an offer were to return, potentially including the Panthers' 2025 first-round pick, I would be thrilled to see Cole Caufield's best friend arrive in town before the season begins.
Credit: Habsolumentfan.com
Don Waddell se dit ouvert à retenir du salaire dans la transaction Patrik Laine
Don Waddell se dit ouvert à retenir du salaire dans la transaction Patrik Laine
| POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 288 ANSWERS Change of plans in the Patrik Laine situation, and it's big for the Canadiens In your opinion, should Kent Hughes target Patrik Laine or Trevor Zegras? | ||
| Laine | 143 | 49.7 % |
| Zegras | 145 | 50.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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