According to Nick Kypreos,<\/a> Kent Hughes tried everything to move the Finn before the 3 p.m. deadline. Let\u2019s be honest \u2014 no one in the NHL wanted to touch his contract.<\/p>\nWe have to tell it like it is: the Canadiens were even ready to retain a large portion of the salary. That shows just how badly management wants to turn the page quickly.<\/p>\n
Despite that salary retention, none of the other 31 teams took the bait on the forward. It\u2019s a slap in the face for a player who once scored 40 goals in this league.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re talking about a situation where Montreal was even willing to include an additional asset to help facilitate the trade. When you have to pay to move a player, it means his value has hit rock bottom.<\/p>\n
“Montreal is looking to move out his money and might be willing to spend an asset to do that. The Canadiens are prepared to retain a good chunk (even up to 50 per cent) of his deal, considering they haven’t used any retention slots and because Laine’s contract expires at the end of the season anyway.”<\/p>\n
– Nick Kypreos<\/p>\n
Last night, any hope of a change of scenery evaporated with the league\u2019s radio silence. Laine remains with the Montreal Canadiens, and his heavy contract continues to weigh on the cap.<\/p>\n
An ice-cold market for the Canadiens<\/p>\n
The quick reset fans were hoping for won\u2019t happen before the end of the Olympic Games. This is a situation that will continue to hang over the locker room during the break.<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes\u2019 rebuilding plan hits a snag with this glaring lack of interest.<\/p>\n
Today, fans wake up with the same distraction still looming overhead. Patience is a virtue, but it\u2019s starting to wear thin when it comes to No. 92.<\/p>\n
The next window won\u2019t open until after the international tournament, leaving little room for error.<\/p>\n
Hughes will have to be extremely creative to avoid being stuck with this contract through the end of the season.<\/p>\n
Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
2 HOURS AGO|71 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
New details reveal the lengths Kent Hughes and the Canadiens explored to move Patrik Laine<\/p>\n
Will Kent Hughes end up trading Patrik Laine before the end of the season?<\/p>\n
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