Blue Jackets GM confirms trade talks with team, suitor for Laine

Earlier today, Columbus GM Don Waddell endorsed the power change with his old Carolina Hurricanes, then also noted that the two teams are trying to make a trade. The Hurricanes are among the top suitors for Patrik Laine, which has initiated tons of speculation.

The Carolina Hurricanes are a team with a desperate need for a player like Patrik Laine. He would fill a vacant hole for a top six forward, and could provide some high-end goal scoring on a team that needs more of it. However, teams are likely waiting to see the trade process decrease on Laine, given the fact his production has dropped off and he's exiting the player assistance program. Now that he's been cleared from the program, Laine has been talking to other teams to facilitate his trade request. The Blue Jackets are asking for picks and prospects in return for Laine, likely blue chip prospects.

Laine immediately showed elite goal scoring ability upon entering the NHL, but his career has seriously sputtered in Columbus. He hasn't played more than 56 games in the last 4 seasons, and hasn't scored 30 goals in 6 years. He's still just 26 years old though, and could still regain his scoring consistency. On an elite team like Carolina, Laine could be a real offensive weapon in the NHL again.

Source: BR Open Ice on X