Massive Patrik Laine trade brewing with LA Kings
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Patrik Laine is officially on the block. Head coach Martin St. Louis might be saying goodbye to his elite sniper very soon.
The trade market is rapidly accelerating as the deadline approaches, and the Montreal locker room is right at the center of the storm.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, trade discussions have intensified significantly over the last few hours as teams finalize their remaining plans.
The entire hockey world's focus is squarely on a pending deal between the Canadiens and the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles management is actively circling back on this file after initial talks. They are fully determined to strike a deal with general manager Kent Hughes to acquire the Finnish forward.
The primary roadblock right now is the financial reality of the salary cap. Laine carries a heavy $8.7 million annual cap hit.
Montreal agreeing to retain half of that salary would immediately grease the wheels for a massive trade.
The Push for Western Conference Contention
That exact retention scenario is likely what Hughes and the Kings front office are negotiating right now.
Out in California, adding a player with this level of offensive output fills a glaring, immediate hole.
The Kings are reeling from recent injuries to Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko. Losing two talented top-six forwards creates a massive offensive void in the daily lineup.
Laine profiles as a high-end replacement for Kuzmenko, especially when looking at the power play structure.
Los Angeles desperately needs sustained goal scoring to keep pace with the established heavyweights out West. They need a true finisher to capitalize on their transition game and quick breakouts from the blue line.
He doesn't need much space to operate. A single one-timer from the faceoff circle can completely flip the momentum of a tight, physical matchup.
Expect this tense situation to resolve incredibly fast. Given the aggressive nature of the talks, do not be surprised if the official confirmation drops today, or even within the next few minutes.
Hughes knows exactly how to maximize asset value in these situations. Eating money historically allows a general manager to demand premium draft capital and high-end prospects in return.
Also read on Blade of steel :
First big trade of the deadline frenzy is completed and Elliotte Friedman spills the details
First big trade of the deadline frenzy is completed and Elliotte Friedman spills the details
| POLL | ||
MARS 3|191 ANSWERS Massive Patrik Laine trade brewing with LA Kings Should the Canadiens retain half of Patrik Laine's salary to secure a first-round pick? | ||
| Yes | 153 | 80.1 % |
| No | 38 | 19.9 % |
| List of polls | ||