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'The Canadiens came close to trading Patrik Laine.'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 1:49 PM ET

We now know that the Canadiens were unable to trade Patrik Laine. He is expected to finish the season with the Canadiens.

But does that mean Kent Hughes, who failed to complete a trade last Friday, didn’t try to send the Finn elsewhere?

No, that’s not what it means.
David Pagnotta, who wrote an article on the Canadiens’ deadline, also mentioned that the Montreal club “came close” to trading Laine.also mentioned that the Montreal club “came close” to trading Laine.

This was despite restrictions in the Finnish player’s contract.

From last night, my latest on some of the things that didn’t happen ahead of the trade deadline and what may come this summer for the #GoHabsGo #TusksUp #LeafsForever #LetsGoOilers #stlblues #NYR #LetsGoFlyers #TimetoHunt and so much more https://t.co/7GACrpn5yK

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 9, 2026

In fact, it makes sense to think that the Canadiens would have traded Laine if they had been able to accomplish their other objectives on deadline day.

Pagnotta reconfirmed that the Canadiens came close acquiring a right-handed defenseman with a valid contract for next season. And as we know, there was also the #MysteryTrade that was in play.

Who was that guy? I’m asking for a friend…

If the Canadiens needed to make room, we can assume that Kent Hughes had the means to do so… but that it would come at a price. And clearly, he didn’t want to pay that price and preferred to take the penalties of deferring the young players’ bonuses until next season.

Good thing Carey Price’s contract is no longer there, huh?

In any case, the many rumors surrounding the Canadiens suggest that next summer, not only is Kent Hughes likely to make a move… but we can even assume that he may not have a choice.

in rapid succession

– Ouch. https://t.co/GbpuUJqKF7

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) March 9, 2026

— Must read.

Yes, the elephant in the room, referring to Parayko invoking his no-trade clause to turn down a deal that would've sent him to Buffalo.

“That was a crazy day!” Parayko said. “I had over 100 text messages.”@jprutherford takes us inside the nixed deal https://t.co/GtZ9nClKSo

— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) March 8, 2026

— Makes sense.

Elliotte Friedman: Re NHL trade deadline: The playoff new LTIR, yeah I think teams were concerned about it, but the double retention [rule] was bigger; honestly I think the biggest thing is the no-trade clauses – NHL Now (3/6)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) March 9, 2026

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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