Trade talks are expected to heat up for Patrik Laine. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets can now proceed with trade talks for Patrik Laine after the 26-year-old winger was released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said several NHL teams expressed an interest in Laine, but requested to speak with him first. More clubs could also get involved now that Laine has been cleared. Those teams will also be interested in his ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury suffered last season.
Waddell has said he’d prefer to make a hockey trade, acquiring a roster regular as part of the return without retaining a significant portion of Laine’s contract. However, Portzline believes such a deal could be difficult to find this deep in the offseason, with both clubs having already settled their rosters.
Portzline notes Laine’s contract is a significant impediment. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber also cited Portzline’s recent interview with TSN 690 Montreal speculating the Blue Jackets could accept a return of draft picks and prospects rather than roster players.
Silber noted the Capitals have a considerable amount of promising talent within their system and two second-round picks and two fifth-rounders in next year’s draft. It would be a bold move for new GM Chris Patrick but the gamble could be worth it if the price is right.
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski observed that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman previously linked Laine to the Capitals. Kingerski also believes Laine would be a good fit with the Penguins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Only six teams – Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks and Utah Hockey Club – can afford to take on Laine’s full cap hit if the Blue Jackets prefer a return of picks and prospects.
Of those teams, the Red Wings and Hurricanes have key free agents to re-sign that will eat up most of their cap space. As for the others, they could be on Laine’s no-trade list.
For other clubs interested in Laine, it’ll have to be a salaried player heading to Columbus to make the dollars fit. Otherwise, the Blue Jackets must retain up to half his cap hit.
We’ll start hearing more about which teams are interested in Laine in the coming days.