Kent Hughes facing critical 48-hour window with Patrik Laine as trade freeze approaches
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
It’s the final, critical stretch for Kent Hughes in the Patrik Laine file, as the infamous Olympic trade freeze is fast approaching.
Let’s not kid ourselves — the situation is becoming heavy for everyone around the team.
The sniper appears physically ready, but the organization is buying time by officially keeping him on injured reserve.
Pierre McGuire put his finger on the issue during his appearance on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro
The analyst openly wondered who Laine could realistically replace in the Canadiens’ current top six.
The answer: no one.
"He may have to ask his agent to go and ask for a trade. I don't know where he fits on this lineup right now. Who's he better than in the top 6?"
- Pierre McGuire
- Pierre McGuire
The chemistry is working among the forwards right now, and inserting a player who may soon be gone would make no sense.
Keeping that kind of distraction around a group focused on the playoffs is a risky bet.
The timeline is clear: this Wednesday, February 4 at 3 p.m., the NHL shuts the books ahead of the Olympics.
A full trade freeze will be imposed on all teams until February 22.
That leaves roughly 48 hours for the general manager to find a dance partner in this complex situation.
Dragging this uncertain saga all the way to March is absolutely not appealing internally.
I would be extremely surprised if Laine is not traded within the next 48 hours.
We saw a similar scenario with the Kings and Phillip Danault just before the holiday freeze.
The pressure of a hard deadline often forces tough decisions that have been lingering far too long.
An inevitable decision before Wednesday in the Patrik Laine file
The Canadiens control the medical narrative for now, but the hourglass is running fast.
If Laine isn’t traded by Wednesday afternoon, managing his return to play will become a major headache.
Expect Kent Hughes’ phone to ring before then — several teams are desperately searching for goals.
Want a name? The Los Angeles Kings, for starters!
Contending teams know this is their last chance to add offensive punch before the Olympic break.
Let’s be honest — it would be the ideal ending to close this chapter and allow everyone to move forward.
All eyes are on the clock as 3 p.m. Wednesday approaches.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Jakub Dobes slips up in postgame interview, hinting at a coming announcement from Kent Hughes
Jakub Dobes slips up in postgame interview, hinting at a coming announcement from Kent Hughes
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics