Key development emerges that could facilitate a Patrik Laine trade to Montreal
We have indeed just had an important development in the Patrik Laine trade situation for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets have made a big decision, as their general manager, Don Waddell, announced that he is now open to retaining salary in the upcoming Patrik Laine trade.
We know that Laine has requested a trade, we know that Columbus will trade Laine before the start of the season (unless there is a major change in circumstances), and we know that Kent Hughes has some interest.
However, one of the big problems in this situation is that Laine earns $8.7 million per year for two more seasons.
The Canadiens have salary cap space, but there was a significant concern.
Kent Hughes has done an excellent job establishing a strict salary hierarchy with the Canadiens, ensuring that captain Nick Suzuki remains the highest-paid player on the team.
What message would it send if, all of a sudden, Patrik Laine arrives and becomes the highest-paid player in Montreal?
In short, now that the Columbus Blue Jackets are ready to retain part of Laine's salary in the trade, it could change everything.
A Patrik Laine at $6.5 million or $5.5 million is very different from a Laine at $8.7 million (especially for Montreal).
Don Waddell announces he is ready to retain salary in the Patrik Laine trade
See the exact excerpt.
«Maybe we will end up retaining part of his salary. If I wanted to retain half of his salary, I would have already traded him, but that's not my first choice.»
- Don Waddell
He is open to the idea of retaining salary, but ideally not 50%.
In any case, retaining $2 million is likely to be sufficient for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.
A situation to follow closely, then!
Credit: HABSolumentFan
Don Waddell se dit ouvert à retenir du salaire dans la transaction Patrik Laine
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