French TV Station TVA reported yesterday Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes gave his captain a call before pulling the trigger on the Patrik Laine deal.

Nick Suzuki inaugurated the Asista Foundation Heroes Golf tournament to raise funds for life-changing service dogs yesterday in Laval. It's the second year he's part of the initiative that aims to train service dogs for people who have mental health issues. 

As always when a Montreal Canadiens player makes a public appearance, the conversation with the media soon turned to hockey. French broadcaster TVA revealed on its noon news bulletin that GM Kent Hughes gave his captain a call before pulling the trigger on the Patrik Laine deal.

If anyone was worried about Suzuki's reaction to seeing someone swoop into town and instantly become the team's best paid forward, there was no need to. The center is excited to see the organization bring in such a talented forward to town and he sees it as proof the team, just like the players, is ready to take the next step.

As for the fact Laine supposedly had issues with teammates in the past, the captain dismissed it saying there's a very good group of guys on the team and he believes the big Finn will fit right in. 

Suzuki also mentioned that wherever he went this Summer, he was always asked about Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis. Including by players from other teams. It seems like the bench boss is gathering some attention around the league. Couple that with how well Kent Hughes is treating his player and it seems highly likely Montreal will soon become a choice destination for free agents. 

The time hasn't come yet, but once the young Habs have matured and are considered contenders, the Habs brass could be a big factor in attracting players. After all, if you build it, they will come as they say (except if you build a top of the range arena in Quebec City and Gary Bettman is still at the head of the league, but that's a topic for another day). 

Related

Patrik Laine Speaks With Members of the Montreal Media Following Trade to the Canadiens
Canadiens: GM Kent Hughes Discusses Laine Trade Acquisition
Canadiens: About the Harris-Laine Trade 

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