In recent weeks, speculation has been rife regarding a possible transaction between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens.
Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has been seen five times in the Habs’ last ten games.
Although Dubas is part of the management of the 4 Nations tournament, several observers, including journalist Shaun Starr, believe that this frequency goes far beyond the simple framework of international observation.
“We don’t watch a team five times in ten matches for an international tournament”said TSN 690 journalist Shaun Starr.
If Dubas already knows the place of Nick Suzuki and Samuel Montembeault in the Canadian chessboard, it is because another file is taking shape behind the scenes.
But what could the Penguins GM be up to, and what are Kent Hughes’ intentions?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crossroads. With an aging core, made up of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, and disappointing results this season, Dubas must find solutions to rebalance his lineup.
These repeated visits to the Bell Center cannot be trivial. Some see it as an interest in one of the promising young players from Montreal or Laval, while others evoke a desire to get rid of certain overpaid veterans.
However, according to sources close to the matter, Kent Hughes has already dotted the “i”s: he does not want a worn-out player or a cumbersome contract.
Hughes’ objective is clear: preserve the future of the Canadian by focusing on youth and reasonable contracts.
One of the names floating around behind the scenes is Jesse Puljujarvi.
The 6-foot-4, 216-pound forward and former 4th overall pick in 2016, often called a flop, has never been able to live up to expectations in the NHL.
Currently under contract for $800,000 and free as the air at the end of the season, he represents a low-risk option financially for Montreal.
Puljujarvi has the exact profile Kent Hughes was looking for: a player who can get in traffic, take on physical battles and play a supporting role.
Additionally, his friendship with Patrik Laine could be a determining factor.
With Laine’s return imminent, Hughes could see Puljujarvi as a way to stabilize his star forward and create chemistry in the lineup.
Needless to say, the two Finns made it rain or shine at the junior world championship, winning top honors for their country.
Puljujarvi scored 3 goals and had 5 assists for 8 points in 18 games this season while providing good hockey on the 3rd line.
For now, everything remains a rumor. However, several elements suggest that an exchange is in preparation.
Canadians, still rebuilding, are seeking to meet certain immediate needs without compromising their future. Puljujarvi, with his imposing stature and modest contract, checks several boxes.
His great friendship with Laine is the talk of the town. Not only are they compatriots, but they grew up together and were selected in the same draft. (2nd and 4th in 2016).
Some say they are simply best friends.
On the Pittsburgh side, Dubas might want to add a player or draft picks to prepare for the post-Crosby era. The Penguins are in desperate need of young talent to replenish their prospect pool.
But according to some Pittsburgh media, Dubas hasn’t completely thrown in the towel for this season. If the Penguins manage to string together a few wins in a row and get back into the race, will a David Dvorak or Joel Armia interest them?
Kent Hughes would have to retain part of the salary, whether it’s Armia or Dvorak. One thing is certain: the Penguins are lacking players who can excel in both directions of the ice.
Their 3rd line is made up of Puljujarvi, Drew O’Connor and Samuel Poulin while their 4th line is made up of Matthew Nieto, Noel Acciari and Vasily Ponomarev.
Nothing to write to his mother. If Dubas really wants to aim for the playoffs, Dvorak or Armia could really help the Penguins.
For now, Dubas wants choices and young people. But Puljujarvi is worth absolutely nothing on the transaction market. Hughes could get it for a late draft pick or a young B prospect who is not part of the CH’s future.
The fact that Dubas and Hughes are former agents before becoming general managers adds a layer of intrigue to these potential negotiations.
Their shared background in the world of player representation could facilitate an honest and transparent dialogue between the two organizations.
But be careful. Hughes remains cautious.
He knows that expectations in Montreal are high and that a rushed transaction could harm the perception of his long-term plan.
This is why he makes sure to only target players capable of contributing both immediately and in the continuity of the reconstruction.
Puljujarvi is the perfect candidate. Fat. Strong. Costing nothing. Both in the transaction market and in terms of salary.
As we approach the period where the rumors start to come to fruition, Dubas’ interest in Canadiens games remains a major question mark.
If a trade were to take place, it could be finalized well before the March trade deadline. But according to TSN 690, we could talk about a transaction before Christmas.
Will Puljujarvi be the next to put on the Habs jersey?
Will Patrik Laine find one of his best friends to strengthen his comfort in the team?
The coming days or weeks may well provide answers to these burning questions.
One thing is certain: where there is smoke, there is often fire.
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