The Columbus Blue Jackets are actively exploring a trade for Patrik Laine, who recently requested to be moved.
Laine is currently participating in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which limits direct communication, but several teams remain interested in the 26-year-old winger.
The main obstacles to a Laine trade are his hefty annual cap hit of $8.7 million, which runs through the 2025-26 season, and the 10-team no-trade list.
Patrick Laine’s training is a joy to watch #cbj pic.twitter.com/Zvuy8lXVq8
— Sarah (@sarah____kent) July 19, 2024
To facilitate a trade, Columbus is reportedly willing to retain a portion of Laine’s salary, which would make his contract more palatable to potential trade partners.
Aaron Portzlein of The Athletic suggests the Blue Jackets are likely looking for a combination of picks and prospects rather than an immediate contributor.
This approach is consistent with their current strategy given recent offseason reinforcements and the pipeline of young talent.
“I’ve heard from a pretty reliable source that (Patrick Laine) still thinks very highly of Winnipeg.” translation: Discussed Patrik Laine’s name being linked to #NHLJets Trade rumors.
The full text of today’s conversation translation:: https://t.co/jQhrphEMU1 pic.twitter.com/2OjI32xptk
— Winnipeg Sports Talk (@SportsTalkWPG) June 27, 2024
Focusing on future assets gives Columbus flexibility in terms of the type of return they seek, making them less reliant on acquiring another forward and allowing them to focus more on securing valuable players that will support their ongoing rebuild and future success.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell acknowledged that multiple teams continue to show interest, despite challenges such as Laine’s salary and no-trade list.
The details of the asking price are fluid, but the hope is that a trade would see Columbus retain some salary to make Laine’s contract more attractive and secure some return, including key draft picks and prospects.
Photo credit: Terence Lee – USA TODAY Sports
