Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Patrick Laine wants out, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported. According to LeBrun, Laine has reportedly spoken with Blue Jackets management to request a trade.
The team responded that they would work with Laine and his agent to get a deal done. Per the report, Laine doesn’t feel like he belongs in Columbus and would like to get a fresh start elsewhere.
The former second-overall pick signed a four-year extension in 2022 with an $8.7 million cap hit. With two years left on the deal, the Columbus Blue Jackets will look for interested teams that can absorb the cap hit and offer a significant return.
However, given the circumstances, it’s unlikely that new Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell will get a big haul for the speedy winger. Laine was limited to 18 games this past season in which he scored six goals and added three assists.
Originally drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, Laine asked for a trade out of Winnipeg. He was granted his wish, getting dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2020-21 season. A one-time 40-goal scorer, Laine’s best season in Columbus was 2021-22 when he netted 26 goals and 56 points.
It remains to be seen what teams could be interested in the 26-year-old. There is no timetable for when a deal could be finalized.
A potential landing spot for the Columbus Blue Jackets winger
A Bleacher Report piece discussed comments by insider Elliotte Friedman, who reported that the Washington Capitals were interested in trading for Laine at this year’s trade deadline. With the Caps making a playoff push, the club felt they could add some secondary scoring.
However, the deal did not materialize. While the Capitals made the playoffs, they were promptly dispatched by the New York Rangers in the first round. Now that Laine has reportedly asked for a trade, the Capitals may circle back to inquire about him.
While it’s unknown what sort of return the Columbus Blue Jackets could have gotten for Laine at the trade deadline, logic seems to dictate that the asking price could be lower this time around.
The Capitals are a team in transition. The club has an aging superstar in Alex Ovechkin. Beyond him, there is little scoring depth. Adding Laine could provide some much-needed secondary scoring to complement Ovechkin and top defenseman John Carlson.
Perhaps Washington can offer Laine the fresh start he seeks, with Ovechkin taking much of the spotlight. Ultimately, Washington could be the ideal place for Laine to hit the reset button and resume his once-promising career.
