Acquiring Kris Letang: “Why don’t we bring Santa Claus, while we’re at it?”

Dose
Crédit: Nov 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

In connection with the Penguins’ poor start to the season, we heard earlier this week that all players would be available in Pittsburgh… Except Sidney Crosby.

And then, understandably, the rumour mill in Montreal started churning about Kris Letang.

After all, how long has his name been linked to the Canadiens?

The idea may be interesting, given that Letang throws right-handed, brings leadership to the dressing room and has already won the Stanley Cup… But it’s the defenseman’s contract that poses the biggest problem.

At 37, he’s in the third year (of six) of a deal that pays him $6.1 million per season. He’ll be 41 when his contract expires, and we’re already seeing a certain regression in his game.

Letang has just six points in 18 games this season…

That said, the subject was discussed several times yesterday on BPM Sports, and Tony Marinaro summed it up perfectly in just a few words.

Because financially and in terms of Letang’s contract, the idea of acquiring him is illogical :

Eille! At the end of his contract, he’ll be 41. Why don’t we bring in Santa Claus, while we’re at it? – Tony Marinaro

Letang has his qualities and we know what they are.

We’re also going to need veterans to mentor the younger players on the blue line (especially if David Savard leaves), and Letang could be ideal for that role.

But there are other veteran defensemen out there… And there are others who cost less and are younger.

If Letang were younger, we wouldn’t even ask. But at 37, his golden years are behind him and the Canadiens don’t need to run the risk of adding a ball and chain that will hurt their bottom line, even if the Penguins keep part of his salary.

And on the other hand, it doesn’t fit in with Kent Hughes’ plan, who isn’t looking to add talent tomorrow by sacrificing his future.

Because let’s face it: the Penguins aren’t going to give Letang away for free to any NHL club. The price is likely to be high, and it wouldn’t be worth paying for a declining defenseman who will celebrate his 38th birthday next April.

Oh, and don’t forget his injury history…

In the end, Tony Marinaro is right: acquiring Kris Letang won’t help the Canadiens.

Maybe in the short term, but I can’t see Kent Hughes spending money on a player who won’t be able to help the club for years to come.

Overtime

– It’s crowded at the top!

– It looks like this.

– It’s up to him to seize it.

– Logical.

– Wow…

This content was created with the help of AI.