Canadiens GM Kent Hughes promised to put his cap space to good use, and he did just that by acquiring Patrik Laine, who has a high-risk salary and a low-risk term.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes promised to put his cap space to good use, and he did just that by acquiring Patrik Laine, who has a high-risk salary and a low-risk term.
Regardless of your NHL allegiance, it's probably safe to say most hockey fans wish the best for Patrik Laine. It has been a difficult couple of years for him, and last season was the worst, both on and off the ice.
But with the change of scenery he wanted on Monday and his personal life in a better place, can Laine be the answer to the Montreal Canadiens' long-term offensive woes? Well, he has the offensive pedigree, and he'll likely be on Montreal's second line, which should open up ample offensive opportunities for him.
Clearly, with the trade of Laine and the drafting of Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage, the Canadiens are getting a little tired of not being able to score goals. The hope Laine helps in the short-term and the prospects can pick up the job a few years down the road.
And if Laine can't regain his form, the Canadiens are contractually tied to him for only two years.
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