All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Patrik Laine to Montreal: Major development and GM confirms
Kent Hughes has yet to make a move to improve his offense for the upcoming season, and time is running out.
He still has two months before the start of training camp, but it would be beneficial to have this matter settled beforehand to avoid a last-minute trade that might not be advantageous for the Canadiens.
Among the available candidates, Patrik Laine's name is frequently mentioned, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has commented on the situation.
«Teams continue to inquire about any updates. I tell them: you need to be comfortable [with Laine] and I can't help you with that. I don't know the athlete personally. I'm not someone trying to deceive people.»
«There aren't many free agents available. If clubs have cap space today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know some teams are interested.»
«There aren't many free agents available. If clubs have cap space today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know some teams are interested.»
The big problem currently is that Laine is still in the NHL's Player Assistance Program, and no team would want to risk his $8.7 million contract on a "maybe."
Laine will need to leave the program if he wishes to be traded. Kent Hughes might consider another option, but I doubt it will remain status quo.
The Canadiens' GM wants to improve the team this year by adding a potential top-6 forward, and he is well capable of completing a major trade in August.
Source: TVA Sports
Laine : un échange très possible selon les Blue Jackets
Laine : un échange très possible selon les Blue Jackets
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 20 | 265 ANSWERS Patrik Laine to Montreal: Major development and GM confirms Do you think Kent Hughes will acquire a top-6 forward like Patrik Laine by the start of the next season? | ||
| Yes | 156 | 58.9 % |
| No | 109 | 41.1 % |
| List of polls | ||