Patrik Laine has requested a trade off the Columbus Blue Jackets

According to further reports, Laine is looking for a fresh start after not living up to expectations in Columbus, and the team will accommodate his request for a trade.

Laine was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets back in 2016, and he came into the NHL with great success. Laine scored 44 goals in his sophomore season and looked to be a perennial 50 goal threat, but was soon after traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the deal that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Jets.

This season, Laine only played 18 games with the Blue Jackets, scoring 6 goals and 9 points. Laine entered the player assistance program for mental health reasons in January of 2024, and did not return to play last season. His trade request is simply for the reason of finding a fresh start, and it seems like it's for more personal reasons than hockey reasons.

Thinking about a Laine trade or a potential return is extremely complicated. The 26 year old forward clearly has undeniable raw talent, but hasn't been consistent in the last few years. His contract fairly low-risk for the reward he could provide as a 40+ goal scorer, only two years remaining for $8.7M. All sorts of teams could be interested in adding Laine, from rebuilding teams to contending teams with cap flexibility.

In the coming weeks before the draft and free agency, some legwork will likely be made on a Laine trade, and suitors should begin popping up in the rumour mill. Wherever Laine goes, it will be interesting to watch how his career develops from there.

Source: Pierre LeBrun