Hughes Swung for the Fences This Summer, and It Ended Up Being a Grand Slam, Says Eric Engels
Since making his return to the game in early December, Patrik Laine has proven to everyone what kind of hockey player he is.
He scored 8 goals in his first 9 games, and Canadiens fans didn't hesitate to show their appreciation for his lethal shot and efficiency on the power play.
As reported by the site HABSolumentFan, Sportsnet insider Eric Engels appeared on the podcast The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro and stated that, since his return to play, the Finnish forward has been a pleasant surprise.
«The minute he returned to the ice after his knee injury and a lot of time in the stands, he was immediately productive and took his game to several levels higher than what you'd expect from a player coming back from an injury. » - Eric Engels
But beyond being a pleasant surprise, Laine's excellent performance could prompt Kent Hughes to offer him a new contract, and if this were to happen, it would be a true home run as an acquisition.
A home run for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, this acquisition of Patrik Laine
See the expert's statement.
"If this leads to Patrik Laine reinvesting himself into this game to prove that he is a hockey player and not just a guy who plays hockey, that would be a grand slam for the Canadiens"
- Eric Engels
It is worth reminding that Kent Hughes made his acquisition from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the end of last August, along with a second-round pick in 2026, in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
While Laine plays on the first power-play unit and the second line in Montreal, Harris is used on the third defensive pair with the Blue Jackets, and occasionally, he is left out by his coach.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 22 | 2420 ANSWERS Hughes Swung for the Fences This Summer, and It Ended Up Being a Grand Slam, Says Eric Engels Is the Patrik Laine Trade Kent Hughes's Best Move Yet? |
Yes | 1997 | 82.5 % |
No | 423 | 17.5 % |
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