Blue Jackets demand key Canadiens player in trade for Patrik Laine

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Elias Adaime
August 10, 2024 (9:17 PM)

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It's no secret that, barring a major turn of events, Patrik Laine will not be a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.

He wants to leave the organization that acquired him from the Jets to get a fresh start.

According to journalist Aaron Portzline from the site The Athletic, there are three teams to closely watch in this situation. The Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes are the favorites, but the Canadiens shouldn't be ruled out too quickly either.

General Manager Don Waddell wants a player in exchange for Patrik Laine

Portzline indeed mentions, this time, that Waddell wants a player (and not a pick) in return for his forward.

It's a bit contradictory, as he mentioned a few days ago that Waddell was looking for draft picks...

TSN - Portzline: Montreal can put in an offer if they're interested

Nonetheless, no matter what is being asked, the Canadiens have what it takes.

With numerous draft picks in the coming years (12 in 2025) and a well-stocked prospect pool, Kent Hughes now has his hands full. This doesn't even account for the surplus of defensemen he has in his ranks.

A combination of a high draft pick and a defenseman (like Harris) could, in my opinion, be a good starting point.

Especially if the Canadiens take on most of Laine's salary ($8.7 million per year for the next two seasons). Something Kent Hughes can afford this season, especially by placing Carey Price's contract on LTIR.

However, Laine is not universally liked among fans and journalists.

His fairly one-dimensional play definitely doesn't appeal to everyone.

The colorful Simon Snake Boisvert doesn't share this view, though. According to him, Laine can be salvaged and is worth taking a risk on.

«I believe he's a guy who can be salvaged. He's only 26 years old, and he's been put in not always easy situations. If there's one guy I would go after to finish his contract, even if the amount is high, it's definitely Patrik Laine!»

- Simon Boisvert

A fully capable Patrik Laine could indeed surprise. The Finn has hit the 30-goal mark three times in his career (36, 44, and 30) and could certainly do so again.

With good linemates and the organization's confidence, who knows what could happen?

It only remains to be seen whether the Canadiens are part of the 10 teams on his partial no-trade clause. But seeing how desperately he wants to leave Columbus, it wouldn't be surprising if he agreed to waive his clause regardless of the team.

Credit: BPM Sports