Columbus Blue Jackets reveal their new trade demands for Patrik Laine

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MarcO
July 26, 2024 (11:01)

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We have news regarding the potential trade of Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens.

We know that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are interested, and we know that the Habs are one of the only NHL teams currently able to acquire Laine (due to the salary cap), but we haven't had any new developments in this matter for a while.

That has just changed.

Last-minute development regarding the upcoming trade of Patrik Laine: his trade request is confirmed

Laine will therefore be traded before the start of the next season, or at least that's the plan.

« The Finnish goal scorer for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Patrik Laine, indeed hopes to be traded by the Ohio team to get "a fresh start elsewhere."

This was explained by the new Jackets GM, Don Waddell, to TSN. » - Via TVA Sports

It couldn't be clearer.

Waddell added that before announcing this trade, Laine must first leave the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

« Patrik has been clear, even before the changes this summer, that he would like to get a fresh start elsewhere. We will look at all options when the time comes, hopefully soon. »

- Don Waddell

MAJOR UPDATE

According to insider Elliotte Friedman, Patrik Laine has now been cleared from the players assistance program.

Good news on Patrik Laine: he is cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Glad to see he is feeling better.

Laine is still recovering from shoulder surgery. As for his NHL future, teams interested in acquiring him were told they are free to contact Laine. So that's the next step before he and the Blue Jackets decide how to proceed. - Elliotte Friedman

Also according to Aaron Portzline, the Blue Jackets are expected to prioritize acquiring draft picks and prospects in a potential trade for Patrik Laine, rather than seeking a roster player.

The Blue Jackets are likely to seek draft picks and prospects in a trade for Patrik Laine as opposed to a roster player after their other offseason moves, per
@Aportzline

This strategy aligns with their recent offseason moves, indicating a focus on building for the future and developing young talent within their organization. As the trade rumors swirl, it will be interesting to see how this approach shapes the Blue Jackets' roster and long-term plans.

Will he be the famous top 6 forward acquired by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens this summer? In any case, several stars seem to be aligning in this direction.

Patrik Laine, 26 years old, is a giant-sized forward at 6 feet 5 inches and 215 pounds. Last season, he tallied 9 points in 18 games after scoring 52 points in 55 games in 2022-23.

In his NHL career, Laine has an impressive record of 204 goals and 184 assists (388 points) in 480 games.

Credit: TVA Sports et Journal de Montréal
Laine veut sortir de Columbus