{"id":451197,"date":"2026-02-08T13:52:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T13:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/451197\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T13:52:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T13:52:12","slug":"chris-johnston-reveals-what-kent-hughes-needs-to-do-to-trade-patrik-laine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/451197\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris Johnston reveals what Kent Hughes needs to do to trade Patrik Laine"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nChris Johnston reveals what Kent Hughes needs to do to trade Patrik Laine
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All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest, the Patrik Laine situation is starting to weigh heavily around the Montreal Canadiens.<\/p>\n

Insider Chris Johnston dropped a new piece of information this week: Kent Hughes will most likely have to add an asset or retain salary to successfully move the Finnish forward.<\/p>\n

Laine simply does not have a clear spot in Martin St-Louis\u2019 lineup at the moment.<\/p>\n

After undergoing surgery for an abdominal muscle injury that sidelined him for three to four months, his return has been difficult.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s tell it like it is: the stats are not on his side this season.<\/p>\n

In just five NHL games played this year, he has recorded one assist and no goals. His impact has been minimal, with a -3 rating and only six shots on goal.<\/p>\n

Kent Hughes must add an asset to trade Patrik Laine<\/p>\n

Re Patrik Laine: The Canadiens are likely gonna have to attach some kind of value piece to him to move him I think, or retain salary or do a bit of both.”<\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Johnston<\/p>\n

Despite this distracting situation, the Canadiens are surprising and currently sit second in the Atlantic Division. Montreal holds a 32-17-8 record for a total of 72 points. The team is firmly in the playoff race, which changes the equation for upcoming trades.<\/p>\n

At home, the Canadiens have posted a 16-11-1 record. Nick Suzuki\u2019s squad also shut down the Winnipeg Jets with a 5-1 win last Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Brendan Gallagher stole the show with one goal and two assists in the victory.<\/p>\n

It remains to be seen whether Hughes will dare to sacrifice a draft pick or a young prospect to unload Laine\u2019s contract before the deadline.<\/p>\n

One thing is certain: cleaning up the salary cap has become the priority to allow for further acquisitions heading into the summer.<\/p>\n

Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n

POLL<\/p>\n

1 HOUR AGO|21 ANSWERS<\/p>\n

Chris Johnston reveals what Kent Hughes needs to do to trade Patrik Laine<\/p>\n

Should Kent Hughes agree to retain 50% of Laine\u2019s salary to move him?<\/p>\n

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