Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirms he is about to make a major trade

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Aaron
August 1, 2024 (2:35 PM)

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We have just had a very interesting development with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and it could involve Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens.

We know that Laine has officially requested a trade, and we know that General Manager Don Waddell wants to try to accommodate his request as soon as possible.

In short, Laine should be traded before the start of the season.

Remember that Kent Hughes and the Canadiens are looking for a top-6 forward, and also remember that Montreal has often been mentioned among the few finalist teams to acquire Patrik Laine via trade (along with the Ducks and Hurricanes).

So, knowing all this, here is what just happened.

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell announces he is working on a trade

See the exact transcript, via a journalist from the News & Observer. Waddell is speaking here about executive Eric Tulsky, but it's his little statement at the end that set the internet on fire.

«Waddell backed Tulsky, who took over the general manager role.

�Eric is the brains, Waddell said. He's much smarter than I ever dreamed of being I'm confident he'll do a great job.

We are trying to finalize a trade right now, so'»

Well, well. It's as if he was in a hurry to get back to work to finalize a trade.

Let's just say that last phrase didn't go unnoticed on social media.

Many observers are unsurprisingly making connections with the Patrik Laine situation:

Stay tuned, but don't be surprised if Patrik Laine is traded in the next few hours. After all, it's his request, and that's what the Columbus Blue Jackets are trying to do.

Laine, 26, is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound winger.

He recorded 52 points in 55 games in 2023, 56 points in 56 games in 2022, and 9 points in 18 games last season.

He is signed at $8.7 million per year until 2026.

A situation to follow.