NHL insider confirms a Western team called the Montreal Canadiens about a top-six sniper

The massive $8.7 million cap hit attached to the Finnish sniper is completely dictating the trade market right now across the league.

General manager Kent Hughes reportedly wants to leverage that heavy contract to make the complex math work for a separate, tangible hockey move.

The Los Angeles Kings officially checked in on the big winger to upgrade their top six group. Those specific talks have entirely stalled out.

Los Angeles is currently grinding through the tight Pacific Division standings. They desperately need higher offensive output down the grueling final stretch of the schedule.

Over his NHL career, the 27-year-old forward has established himself as a highly dangerous weapon. He punishes goaltenders whenever he finds open ice.

But the Kings ultimately decided there was no immediate roster fit. The Western Conference club is now actively exploring other veteran options on the open market.

Moving a financial commitment of that massive magnitude requires incredibly solid execution from both front offices involved in the complex transaction.

Montreal relies heavily on controlled entries to dictate the fast pace of play. They absolutely need maximum cap flexibility to restructure their active roster.

Opposing top lines are frequently held scoreless when the Canadiens manage the puck correctly. Management still wants to actively upgrade the current defensive structure.

Finding a willing suitor with enough available deadline space to absorb that heavy financial burden is proving to be a massive headache in Montreal.

Laine still possesses the elite one-timer needed to finish off crisp passing sequences on the man advantage. The raw physical talent remains absolutely undeniable.

The front office wants to use his massive salary slot as the primary vehicle to facilitate a much larger blockbuster deal before Wednesday arrives.

And the clock is officially ticking loud and clear inside the Bell Centre front office. We will see if Hughes can finally find a creative trade partner.

The Show waits for absolutely nobody. The intense deadline pressure in this passionate hockey market is reaching an absolute boiling point today.