Report: Montreal Canadiens explicitly grant Patrik Laine and his team permission to seek a trade
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has officially opened the floodgates on a massive potential blockbuster trade.
According to elite hockey insider Pierre LeBrun speaking on RDS, the Canadiens have explicitly granted Patrik Laine's agent permission to speak directly with opposing NHL front offices.
This stunning development essentially confirms that the highly talented Finnish sniper is actively seeking a brand-new home ahead of the impending trade deadline.
Despite the sudden roster drama, LeBrun heavily emphasized that the relationship between Habs management and Laine's camp remains incredibly positive and totally professional.
There is absolutely no internal animosity, but both sides have seemingly agreed that a permanent change of scenery is the best possible outcome for his NHL career.
Pierre Lebrun on RDS says that the Habs have given permission to Patrik Laine's agent to directly talk to teams around the NHL.
He also says that it's very positive between Habs management and Patrik Laine's camp. If the Canadiens are able to trade Laine, they will.
He also says that it's very positive between Habs management and Patrik Laine's camp. If the Canadiens are able to trade Laine, they will.
Laine possesses a lethal, game-breaking shot that can single-handedly alter the trajectory of a struggling power play, making him a highly coveted asset.
Canadiens officially shopping Patrik Laine across the NHL
However, successfully moving his massive salary cap hit will require an incredibly creative financial solution from Hughes and the Montreal front office.
The Canadiens are clearly in the middle of a massive youth movement, and clearing Laine's heavy contract would provide essential flexibility for their future core pieces.
By allowing his representation to directly negotiate with potential suitors, Montreal is aggressively trying to expedite the highly complicated trade process.
If a legitimate Stanley Cup contender can find the necessary cap space to absorb the lethal winger, the Habs will absolutely pull the trigger on a massive swap.
The Eastern Conference rumor mill is currently spinning completely out of control, and Laine is now the undisputed premium forward available on the open market.
Fans in Montreal should heavily prepare for a massive roster shakeup as Hughes actively works the phones over the next few chaotic days.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 27|96 ANSWERS Report: Montreal Canadiens explicitly grant Patrik Laine and his team permission to seek a trade Will the Canadiens successfully trade Patrik Laine before the deadline? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 63.5 % |
| No | 35 | 36.5 % |
| List of polls | ||