Patrik Laine file: Opportunity has just knocked for Kent Hughes and the Habs
We know that Kent Hughes wants to improve his top 6 immediately and that he has interest in Patrik Laine, but he doesn't want to overpay either.
Without including Carey Price's contract on long-term injured reserve, Hughes has a bit over $5 million in cap space, which means he couldn't trade for Laine's full $8.7 million salary with just a draft pick.
Three options are on the table for Kent Hughes:
1- Trade a draft pick for Laine and place Carey Price on LTIR during the off-season;
2- Trade a bad contract for Patrik Laine, which would free up enough cap space;
3- Negotiate for the Blue Jackets to retain part of Laine's salary.
2- Trade a bad contract for Patrik Laine, which would free up enough cap space;
3- Negotiate for the Blue Jackets to retain part of Laine's salary.
Among these options, the second would be the most favorable, and this is exactly what Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is waiting for.
"According to journalist [Aaron Portzline], the Jackets' GM would insist on receiving a player in return for the trade rather than just a draft pick. This way, he wouldn't have to retain part of the salary to facilitate a transaction with most teams who currently lack the necessary cap space." - Marco Normandin
This is an opportunity for Hughes and other GMs who are struggling to stay under the salary cap, but Hughes has the advantage because other teams rarely have a player making $8.7 million or more available, who might interest the Blue Jackets.
The Anaheim Ducks are also in the mix, but they're not yet reaching the salary floor. Furthermore, it would be surprising if they traded Trevor Zegras for Patrik Laine.
Kent Hughes, on the other hand, has several contracts he could move in a potential transaction. Josh Anderson, Christian Dvorak, or Brendan Gallagher could therefore be on the move if the Blue Jackets agree.
In any of these scenarios, Hughes wouldn't need to place Carey Price's contract on LTIR during the off-season, which would be advantageous for him.
This is a developing story, but according to what Waddell has mentioned in recent hours, he is actively working to complete a transaction.
Source: Habsolumentfan.com
Le Canadien parmi les trois équipes favorites pour acquérir Patrik Laine
Le Canadien parmi les trois équipes favorites pour acquérir Patrik Laine
| POLL | ||
AOUT 1 | 226 ANSWERS Patrik Laine file: Opportunity has just knocked for Kent Hughes and the Habs Do you think Kent Hughes really has a chance to trade a bad contract for Patrik Laine? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 66.8 % |
| No | 75 | 33.2 % |
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