For about a week now, rumors linking Kristopher Letang to the Canadiens have been intensifying, as the defenseman is said to have requested a trade from the Habs.
This rumor from Mark Madden has caused quite a stir, and the main interested party has not commented on the matter. However, he is currently in Montreal, and several signs are quite evident.
Renaud Lavoie had mentioned it, whether you like it or not, he is a good friend of Kristopher Letang, so he knows what he's talking about. The two men had a podcast together.
«[In March 2022], the year ended with a striking quote, as Renaud Lavoie, co-host of a podcast with the Penguins' defenseman, exclaimed �I can't wait to see Letang in the blue, white, and red uniform.'
A month later, a Pittsburgh journalist stated that no one would be surprised if the Quebecer considered an offer from the Habs.» - Kevin Vallée
Moreover, the defenseman is known for showing up at the Canadiens' camp early, as he did last summer. He was on the ice at the CN Sports Complex with the Habs players.
It's known that he would like to finish his career in Montreal, but according to Kevin Vallée, this dream would now be shattered. When Kristopher Letang accepted his 6-year, $36.6 million contract with the Penguins, he turned down the Canadiens.
It's easy to understand why. He has four seasons remaining on his contract, which counts for $6.1 million against the salary cap. This is significant for a player of his age, whose best years are behind him.
Kristopher Letang is still a great defenseman today, but he will be 41 when his contract ends. By signing this deal that he could not refuse, he has thus distanced himself from the Canadiens for good.