Montreal Canadiens: Three Questions Kent Hughes Needs to Answer Before Trade Deadline

What will he do with Artturi Lehkonen?

The biggest question that Hughes needs to answer today does not pertain to a pending UFA nor a player with term on his contract.

Huh?

Artturi Lehkonen is neither because his contract will be up at the end of the season but he is a restricted free agent. This means the Habs have the right to extend him an offer sheet worth $2.3 million and retain his rights.

But it might never get close to that.

Lehkonen has a lot of value on the current trade market and could fetch a huge return if he is dealt today. He is an elite defensive winger who is on pace for his first 40 point season ever. At 26 years old, he is hinting at the fact he could be a terrific second line winger for the next few seasons and not just a bottom six piece.

Do the Canadiens deal him because another team offers a first round pick and a decent prospect? Or do they keep him?

The big question really is what will his next contract look like? If he is willing to sign a four year extension at $2.5 million, he is worth keeping around. If he wants $4 million per year because of the offence he is bringing this season, it might make sense to move him now.

What to do with Lehkonen? There will surely be interest in him right down to the wire. Will Hughes keep him or deal him to a contender?

That’s the biggest question the Canadiens general manager needs to answer today.

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