More information emerges on Canadiens' 'mystery deadline trade', and it shows just how close it was
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
General Manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis had a massive swing planned, targeting young stars like Matthew Knies or Alexis Lafrenière.
The trade deadline is over, but the whispers surrounding Montreal are deafening. Fans want answers about that rumored mystery deal.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun dropped a reality check on Melnick in the Afternoon. He confirmed the front office was hunting for a blockbuster.
Patrik Laine is an afterthought now. His expiring contract was merely the financial weight needed to make the salary cap math work.
The real story is who the Habs were trying to pull out of the Eastern Conference.
You do not move out $8.7 million at the buzzer unless you are bringing in a young cornerstone.
The Hunt for a Top-Six Winger Persists in Montreal
Knies brings the heavy forecheck and relentless 200-foot effort this roster desperately lacks. He would thrive immediately.
Then there is the hometown dream. Acquiring Lafrenière would instantly upgrade the entire offensive output of this organization.
Either of those kids provides the crisp passing and scoring touch management craves.
The defensive structure collapsed entirely in the third period lately. They need forwards who can actually drive play and possess the puck.
The Show is a cutthroat business. Montreal tried to exploit a cap-strapped rival, but the asking price was clearly too high.
The deal did not materialize, but the blueprint is laid out.
Keep your eyes peeled at the June draft. Hughes showed his hand, and the front office is preparing for a massive summer shakeup.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Brendan Shanahan's possible next NHL job shows nobody has learned from the Leafs' collapse
Brendan Shanahan's possible next NHL job shows nobody has learned from the Leafs' collapse
| POLL | ||
MARS 20|171 ANSWERS More information emerges on Canadiens' 'mystery deadline trade', and it shows just how close it was Will anybody sign Patrik Laine this summer? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 38 % |
| No | 106 | 62 % |
| List of polls | ||