Last summer, a rumor ignited the hockey world: Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins veteran and three-time Stanley Cup champion, reportedly expressed his desire to join the Montreal Canadiens.
It was host Mark Madden, during an episode of the Breakfast with Benz podcast, who revealed that Letang would have asked his team to explore a transaction with the Habs.
Although these discussions have, so far, gone nowhere, and the defender has denied the rumors, Letang’s interest in returning to play in his hometown seems sincere.
Originally from Sainte-Julie, Letang grew up with the dream of one day wearing the CH jersey. Formerly of the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the QMJHL, he knows well the pressure and emotion of playing in Quebec.
At 37, Letang remains a centerpiece in Pittsburgh, but his attachment to Montreal, where he was seen training in 2023, has never dissipated.
However, his arrival in Montreal raises questions. The CH is banking on promising youth on the blue line with Kaiden Guhle and prospects like Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher and Lane Hutson.
Without forgetting Justin Barron and Arber Xhekaj who are trying as best they can to find their place.
Adding a veteran like Letang could slow the development of these talents or force a costly reorganization, especially since he costs $6.1 million through 2028 and appears to be on a downward slope.
The Penguins would have to retain at least 50 percent of his salary, and even then, that does not seem advantageous for Kent Hughes.
This context becomes even more intriguing as Kyle Dubas, general manager of the Penguins, will be at the Bell Center this evening.
The CEO will be seen for the second time in a week in the stands of a CH match. After attending a game in Buffalo last Monday, Dubas is present at the Bell Center for the clash between Montreal and Edmonton.
The Penguins’ rebuild, who have won just seven of their first 20 games this season, could include some major trades. According to several sources, only Sidney Crosby is untouchable.
Dubas could also evaluate CH players for his role with the Canadian team at the 4 Nations Showdown. Nick Suzuki and Samuel Montembeault, vying for a spot on this roster, are probably on his radar.
For Kent Hughes, accepting Letang would involve a headache: how to integrate a veteran with a big contract into a team where youth is the priority?
Certainly, Letang would bring his experience and his passion for Montreal, but at what cost? Should the CH sacrifice elements of its future to meet an immediate need?
In a league where emotions and business constantly intersect, the idea of seeing Letang finish his career in Montreal remains attractive to fans.
But for Hughes, every move must be part of a long-term vision, and the addition of Letang could well be a luxury that the CH cannot afford.
In the meantime, all eyes remain on Dubas, who seems to want to compromise with Montreal.
Even if Kris Letang denies any desire to leave Pittsburgh, everyone knows how much he secretly dreams of wearing the tricolor uniform before retiring.
The idea of seeing him join the Montreal Canadiens resurfaces regularly, especially since Kent Hughes is actively looking for a right-handed defender to strengthen his lineup.
The economic and sporting reality complicates this scenario, despite the obvious sentimental link between Letang and Montreal.
For years, Letang has been associated with a possible return to his native province, especially since his former agent, Kent Hughes, is now general manager of the CH.
Letang, frustrated by the Penguins’ recent failures, finds himself in a difficult situation. If rumors are circulating about his desire for a change of scenery, the main person concerned was firm in his statements:
“Did people talk about that?” They didn’t argue with me. I didn’t ask for an exchange. »
However, these comments, made late in the summer when rumors had already been circulating for weeks, were not enough to extinguish the speculation.
His prolonged silence this summer gave way to all sorts of theories, with some believing he was exploring his options before speaking out publicly.
The arrival of Erik Karlsson in Pittsburgh has profoundly changed the Penguins’ defensive dynamic. Letang, once the undisputed pillar of the defensive brigade, saw his role diminish with the addition of three-time winner Norris, who is finished on the rope. Even more finished than Letang.
Letang’s close friend Sidney Crosby remains a major obstacle to any departure. Crosby, who himself accepted a reduced contract to help his team, would never tolerate losing a player as essential as Letang, both personally and professionally.
In our opinion, the Canadian cannot afford to compromise his financial future for a 37-year-old player.
Thus, Letang will remain, for the moment, a son of Quebec evolving far from home, with a part of himself that will continue to dream of an end to his career under the spotlight of the Bell Center.
We bet he has a little smirk when he learns that Dubas is in Montreal this evening.
