Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We have confirmation that the Los Angeles Kings have spoken with the Tricolore regarding Patrik Laine.
Dennis Bernstein shared this major development mid-afternoon on his social media platforms.
Actively seeking a top-line forward for the top-6 remains the objective of the California club.
However, no agreement currently appears possible between these two NHL teams.
Trade deadline update:
“As the Kings explore the market for a top-six forward, I can confirm they spoke with Montreal about Patrik Laine. However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now and Kings are now looking elsewhere.”
– Dennis Berstein
The American organization prefers to evaluate other options available on the current trade market.
Let’s be honest, this file is becoming highly prioritized for Montreal’s hockey operations department.
Kent Hughes is carefully exploring every avenue with the deadline approaching next Friday.
This morning in Brossard, the Finnish forward was clearly the odd man out during regular drills.
He was seen taking a few sporadic reps on Jake Evans’ support unit.
Moving this sniper to the blue line at the end of practice confirms a very precarious status.
Let’s be honest, this completely atypical usage clearly illustrates the lack of space in the current lineup.
Martin St-Louis is trying to maintain solid execution without disrupting the flow of his trios.
Will the Canadiens succeed in moving this heavy contract before Friday?
Managing his sizeable cap hit is undoubtedly the biggest challenge in finalizing a deal.
Absorbing such a salary requires true administrative gymnastics for any opposing general manager.
Obviously, his limited ice time over the past two seasons greatly complicates the overall evaluation.
Nevertheless, several teams remain in search of targeted reinforcements to boost offensive production.
Securing a consistent power-play threat remains an extremely rare commodity at this stage of the season.
Let’s remember that Los Angeles is currently dealing with the unexpected loss of Kevin Fiala.
Adding a scorer of that caliber would perfectly address a pressing need on the California side.
Finding a permanent solution for this big-bodied forward would free up crucial financial space for the future.
Negotiating an acceptable return seems difficult, but gaining salary flexibility would already be an excellent outcome.
We will need to closely monitor the team’s official announcements in the coming decisive days.
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