Blue Jackets reveal what they want in return for Patrik Laine trade
According to Aaron Portzlime of the Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for prospects and draft picks in return for Patrik Laine in a trade.
It's interesting to hear the Blue Jackets are still comfortable with a return of picks and prospects for Patrik Laine, when they want to try to steer the team out of a rebuild soon. Mostly contending teams will be inquiring about adding Laine at a reduced salary in trade, which could limit the quality of assets the Blue Jackets could get in return for Laine. When the deal is finally done, the Blue Jackets could be getting an underwhelming return for a potential superstar.
Laine officially requested a trade earlier this offseason, citing the need for a fresh start in a new city after dealing with mental health issues. Laine missed the latter half of the NHL season in the Player Assistance Program and is still in the program, which is temporarily stopping a trade from happening. Teams want to talk to him before a move is made to see his headspace after the Player Assistance Program, but that can't happen until he officially is cleared by the NHL.
His $8.7M salary cap hit will be a huge obstacle in any potential trade for Laine, and reportedly the Blue Jackets are willing to retain salary to make it happen. Laine only scored 6 goals after playing 18 games last year, and hasn't scored more than 30 in 6 years. He clearly has the elite talent to score 40 or more, but his career has been rocky to say the least in recent years.
Whatever team makes the trade for Laine, it will be extremely interesting to see what version of them they get. If the trade goes correctly and Laine lives up to his potential, a team acquiring him could be getting an elite offensive player.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Laine will score more than 30 goals again in his career? | ||
| Yes | 176 | 45.1 % |
| No | 202 | 51.8 % |
| See Results | 12 | 3.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
