Major Development in Pittsburgh Sparks Kris Letang-to-Canadiens Rumors
There will be action on the trade market in Pittsburgh, and it could interest the Montreal Canadiens.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas made a big decision last week by placing goalie Tristan Jarry, with three years remaining on his contract at $5.38M, on waivers.
Many thought this was the start of a major fire sale in the Sidney Crosby organization.
But what is the reality?
A source confirms to Marco D'Amico that several veterans are available in Pittsburgh, and we're talking about big names here
Despite still being in the playoff race, it seems the housecleaning has started in Pittsburgh.
As reported by a source to the excellent Marco D'Amico from RG.org, several veterans are available in the Steel City.
Dubas' goal is to be competitive next season while continuing to build for the future.
However, don't dream about Sidney Crosby
Montreal Canadiens fans, I see you coming.
I'm going to crush your dreams right now of seeing Sidney Crosby in a Bleu-Blanc-Rouge uniform.
He is with Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Philip Tomasino, and Owen Pickering on the list of players not available for trade.
Notice that veteran defenseman Kris Letang is not on this short list.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion and 37-year-old defenseman still has three years left on a six-year, $36.6 million contract with an AAV of $6.1 million and has a full no-movement clause.
Therefore, he could be changing addresses in the coming weeks if the price is right.
Another veteran who could move on defense for the Penguins is Erik Karlsson. Regarding the high-paid Pens player, the source had this to say:
«I think they'll retain salary, for sure, and you know what?
He can still help the right team.
Maybe with the cap going up, you never know.»
- Marco D'Amico's source
Dubas still has hope for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin
According to this source, the Penguins GM still hopes to win with his two veterans. He simply wants to reshape his lineup with the future in mind.
- Marco D'Amico's source
With the salary cap set to increase significantly next season, the idea is to use cap space (currently $5.2M), salary retention, active roster players, and draft picks to reorganize the lineup and build for the future at the NHL trade deadline.
It will be interesting to see who leaves Pittsburgh in the coming weeks and, especially, if the GM finds a taker for Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang.
Clearly, Renaud Lavoie's prediction about Kris Letang and the Montreal Canadiens is still alive.
