According to several sources on the transaction market, the Montreal Canadiens are actively looking for an experienced right-handed defenseman.
Kent Hughes, aware of the weakness on the right side of his defense, does not seem to believe that Logan Mailloux, despite his potential, can solve this problem in the short term.
This situation fuels rumors surrounding Kris Letang’s possible desire to join Montreal, a story he has publicly denied, while everyone knows that he did indeed try to force a transaction to become a member of the CH this summer.
Letang, although relaxed and laughing during the press conference where he denied these rumors, did not convince anyone.
Why did he wait a month before speaking out, when speculation was in full swing?
His prolonged silence gave way to numerous hypotheses, fueled by the tense climate in Pittsburgh. After another disappointing season and the absence of the playoffs, the arrival of Erik Karlsson brought about a new dynamic within the Penguins, relegating Letang to a more subdued role.
Karlsson’s strong departure exacerbated tensions within the team. Some saw him as the expected savior, but the results did not follow.
Letang, despite good individual performances, saw his ice time reduced. In an interview on 98.5 FM, he expressed visible frustration:
“My playing time has decreased. It changes the dynamic a bit. »
This statement reinforced the idea that perhaps he wanted a new adventure elsewhere. Behind the scenes, sources say Letang explored the possibility of a trade to Montreal.
Kent Hughes, his former agent, then seemed well positioned to convince him to join the Canadian’s reconstruction project.
But despite this interest, Letang chose stability in Pittsburgh by signing a six-year extension at $6.1 million per season, an amount the Canadian simply couldn’t match.
With an aging team and a window of success practically closed, Letang could regret his choice. The Montreal project, centered on young prodges, could have represented an exciting opportunity.
Coming home to wear the blue-white-red, with the encouragement of family and friends, would have been a dream for many. But Letang preferred to focus on loyalty to the Penguins.
However, the chaotic management of his playing time, combined with the failure of the Penguins’ numerical advantage, fueled frustrations.
Letang himself criticized this situation by comparing Crosby and Nick Suzuki, explaining that success on the power play is not just about stacking stars, but about clearly defining each person’s role.
If Montreal were seriously considering acquiring Letang, this transaction would be a risky bet. With his long contract (until 2028) and his injury history, Letang may not maintain his level of play.
The scenario where he ends his career on the long-term injured list, like Carey Price, remains plausible. Additionally, the Penguins will likely demand a young right-handed defenseman in return, with Logan Mailloux topping the list.
But Kent Hughes has made it clear he will not sacrifice his young prospect for an aging Letang, even with part of the salary withheld.
If Pittsburgh asked for Justin Barron instead, the opening would be possible. Letang, with his experience and leadership, would be a valuable addition to a team in the midst of a rebuild.
Montreal fans, increasingly impatient, would welcome this transaction with enthusiasm, hoping that he could mentor the young people and help accelerate the process towards a place in the playoffs.
Beyond speculation, time is running out for Letang. With a Penguins team on its last legs and poor results, it is clear that the chance of winning another Stanley Cup is dwindling.
Even Sidney Crosby, his perennial teammate, admits that the challenge of remaining competitive is becoming greater and greater:
“We knew it was going to take time, but we have to find more consistency in our game.”
Crosby, also in the twilight of his career, clings to the hope of turning things around with Malkin and Letang. But the reality is cruel: the Penguins are no longer the dominant team they once were.
As Pittsburgh fans’ patience wears thin after another disastrous start to the season, Letang could soon find himself at the center of trade rumors again.
Kris Letang’s supposed interest in Montreal reflects not only his frustrations in Pittsburgh, but also recognition of the Canadiens’ burgeoning project.
With his heavy contract and advanced age, acquiring Letang would be a risky bet for Kent Hughes. The challenge is finding a balance between the experience needed to mentor young players and preserving the team’s future assets.
If the opportunity arises to release Justin Barron without touching Mailloux, Hughes could be tempted, especially if it allows the Canadian to take a crucial step towards the playoffs.
Letang could have chosen Montreal in 2022, but he preferred to stay loyal to Pittsburgh. Today, with the arrival of Karlsson and the fall of the Penguins, the dream of wearing the blue-white-red could be back, especially if the Penguins retain part of his salary.
Not to mention that Sidney Crosby is in love with Justin Barron.
The Penguins captain, known for his critical eye and incomparable experience, doesn’t often give compliments to a young player.
However, according to Kris Letang, Crosby was very impressed with Barron, to the point of questioning the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade him to the Montreal Canadiens.
In a conversation revealed during the “Lavoie-Letang” podcast on TVA Sports, Letang explained:
“Upon learning of the trade, Crosby said, ‘I would never have done that if I was the Avalanche. That kid, he’s a real hockey player. He’s ready to play in the NHL and He’s going to be a good player.” »
For Letang, hearing such words from Crosby is exceptional:
“Sid almost never talks about a player like that. When he told me that, I knew it was serious. »
Crosby’s enthusiasm for Barron could give Canadiens leaders food for thought. With a mentor like Crosby, who instantly recognizes talent when he sees it, it becomes clear that Barron could appeal to the Penguins.
Imagine how twisted fate would be if Barron headed to Pittsburgh.
“Barron needs two years in the NHL to fully develop. You don’t want to exhaust him by asking too much from the start. » Letang said.
According to Letang, the priority for Barron must be to master his defensive game before focusing on offense:
“Young defensemen need to understand that in the NHL, it’s defense that counts first. If you are good in your zone, your offensive talent will follow. »
Letang also emphasizes the importance of attention to detail:
“Barron needs to learn to manage distance from the puck carrier, protect the front of the net and be physical. If he works on these aspects, the rest will come naturally. »
It would be so paradoxical if Barron had gone to Pittsburgh for Letang. It was the desire of the Penguins defenseman.
It doesn’t matter what he says.
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