Kent Hughes’ failed Patrik Laine trade attempt reveals a major Canadiens target
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Kent Hughes had apparently already tried to get rid of Patrik Laine.
Anthony Di Marco has officially shared an important new report about what was happening behind the scenes at the NHL trade deadline.
And it confirms the rumour that had been circulating for quite some time regarding Laine.
“According to sources around the trade deadline, the Canadiens did attempt to unload Patrik Laine in a deal to acquire a defenseman; the compensation was not enough for the other team to bite on.”
– Anthony Di Marco, Daily Faceoff
Kent Hughes attempted to trade Laine as part of a deal to acquire a defenseman.
Anthony Di Marco confirms the Canadiens tried to trade Patrik Laine before the NHL deadline
And now, Di Marco is confirming the persistent rumours with a very interesting detail.
Kent Hughes had apparently already been actively trying to trade him during the weeks leading up to the NHL trade deadline.
This is also exactly the kind of information that could explain several of the Canadiens’ decisions involving Laine toward the end of the regular season.
It’s important to understand that this is probably also the reason why Laine did not play a single game during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs (or at the end of the regular season).
Di Marco also mentions that the Canadiens were looking to acquire a defenseman in return.
Which is probably not music to the ears of young Arber Xhekaj.
It remains to be seen whether Laine can ultimately bounce back as a regular NHL forward with another organization.
The Canadiens’ season-ending review in Brossard on Monday morning will likely provide several answers in that regard.
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Kent Hughes’ failed Patrik Laine trade attempt reveals a major Canadiens target
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