Rumors Concerning Kristopher Letang: New Info Regarding A Trade And The Canadiens Could Have A Bargain
The Pittsburgh Penguins are having a tough season, falling well short of expectations with the same old core of players.
The future seems uncertain, and all signs point to this season marking the end of a glorious era for the team.
Currently in the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Penguins will need to pull off a dramatic turnaround if they hope to make the playoffs after two straight seasons without making the cut.
But the reality is that a major rebuild seems inevitable in Pittsburgh.
Trade rumors are already starting to swirl around key players like Erik Karlsson, Tristan Jarry, Ryan Graves, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell and Kristopher Letang.
Even Sidney Crosby could be questioning his future with the team. However, his decision will probably depend on his desire to finish his career in Pittsburgh, where it all began for him in 2005.
Kristopher Letang and the rumors of a return to Montreal
The name Kristopher Letang often comes up in discussions about the Montreal Canadiens.
Journalist Renaud Lavoie had even suggested in the past that the Quebec defenseman should one day wear the CH jersey.
A month later, a Pittsburgh journalist stated that no one would be surprised if the Quebecer considered an offer from the Flannel. » - Kevin Vallée
Lavoie, who is a close friend of Letang, seemed to base this statement on first-hand information.
Now, we learn from The Athletic that Letang would not oppose a trade if the Penguins decide to start a rebuild.
Given Letang's continued ties to the Canadiens, Montreal could be a plausible destination.
However, one major obstacle remains: his contract. Letang is still under contract for three years at $6.1 million per year.
That's a significant amount for a 37-year-old whose performance has been slowly declining. This season, after a 51-point haul last year, he has only six points in 18 games.
To facilitate a trade, the Penguins would likely have to agree to retain a portion of Letang's salary, and Montreal would likely only be interested if the return cost is reasonable.
If the Canadiens were to trade Mike Matheson, the idea of replacing him with a veteran right-hander like Letang, at a reduced salary, could be considered.
Would you be in favor of the Canadiens acquiring Letang if the terms were favorable?
| POLL | ||
Would you like to see the Canadiens acquire Kristopher Letang if Matheson is traded? | ||
| Yes | 86 | 47.8 % |
| No | 94 | 52.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
