Key Takeaways:
– Montreal Canadiens are in the process of rebuilding, following their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2021.
– Former player agent David Ettedgui suggests the Canadiens should consider trading for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine.
– Laine’s future at Columbus remains questionable due to concerns regarding his inconsistent performance.
– Kent Hughes, Canadiens GM, is planning a bold approach this offseason, exploring trade opportunities and free-agent signings.
– The Canadiens could potentially trade their No.5 draft pick for a proven player such as Patrik Laine.
Body:
As the Montreal Canadiens embark on their post-Stanley Cup Final journey, they are focusing on team rebuilding. Following their successful 2021 run, the team is exploring potential trades to enhance their roster. Among these possible additions, Columbus Blue Jackets’ forward, Patrik Laine, has been highlighted as a preferred choice.
Patrik Laine, the Potential Trade
Noted by David Ettedgui, a former player agent, Laine could potentially bolster the Canadiens’ lineup. Ettedgui, a reputable figure in BPM Sports, aired his opinion on June 6, that Laine would be a logical target for the Canadiens due to his offensive style.
Laine possesses a contract terminating in the summer of 2026, which pays him an annual value of $8.7 million. The Blue Jackets might consider retaining a portion of his salary due to concerns of a value mismatch.
Laine’s Journey at Columbus
However, Laine’s tenure at Columbus has been marred by inconsistency and lengthy absences, making his future with the franchise uncertain as they welcome new General Manager, Don Waddell.
Sports journalist Aaron Portzline of The Athletic noted on April 22 that, “The Blue Jackets have shown an appropriate level of concern for Laine, and are unsure of what to expect from him next season.”
Moreover, Laine’s performance since arriving in Columbus, by way of a January 2021 trade from the Winnipeg Jets, has been underwhelming compared to his initial success in Winnipeg.
The Canadiens’ Offseason Plans
Despite these issues, Laine remains a significant point of conversation for Montreal. Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes revealed to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic his plans to take an aggressive approach through the offseason to reinforce the roster.
Both trade options and free-agent signings are on the table. The strategy might even include trading their No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft.
“If we can acquire a player or move up in the draft, we have to consider any possible ways to enhance this team,” Hughes stated during his interview with LeBrun.
A Potential Trade?
Martin Necas has been mooted as a potential team addition for the Canadiens, although Hughes admitted that the most likely scenario would be keeping the No. 5 pick and choosing a draft.
Hughes said, “This year, it will be more of an in-the-moment decision. The draft seems less predictable this time around.”
With PuckPedia forecasting the Canadiens to have $9.1 million in cap space entering the offseason and 19 players already in their active roster, could a trade for the $38 million winger make sense?
In the continually shifting world of sports, the Canadiens’ management may just pull off a surprise. After all, it’s all part of the game!