Top three teams in Patrik Laine trade talks revealed

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Liam McCormick
August 5, 2024 (2:05 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets star sniper Patrik Laine is the NHL's biggest offseason trade chip right now, and TSN has now revealed three teams in trade talks to acquire him.

Right now, the three teams interested in Laine are believed to be the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, and the Buffalo Sabres. According to the Athletic, Minnesota GM Bill Guerin will be reaching out to Laine to speak about a trade.

Laine was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, and immediately showed his elite offensive talent by scoring 80 goals in his first two seasons. Since then, his career has stumbled after a trade the Columbus Blue Jackets.

After only 18 games this year, Laine entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program for mental health reasons, and has since requested a trade to get a fresh start. Since being cleared to leave the NHL program, he's been facilitating trade offers with his agent.

Still just 26 years old, it's very plausible that Laine could get back to his offensive production and consistency after a fresh start with a better team. His undeniable talent is driving the trade price very high, but teams are reluctant to pay up given his struggles in the last few seasons.

It's very interesting to see three teams in very similar positions be interested in trading for Laine. All three of the Wild, Canadiens, and Sabres have some elite young talent on their roster and are aiming to make the playoffs after a long period of rebuilding - but all could use an elite scorer like Patrik Laine. Adding a 40 goal threat to any of their lineups could make those teams a playoff contender.

The Blue Jackets are looking for draft picks and prospects in return for Laine instead of a roster player. Each team involved in trading for Laine is coming out of a rebuild and still values their draft picks and prospects highly, which could be stalling a trade at the moment. If the price drops or a team steps up to make an offer, Laine could be moved any day now - especially with GM's being involved directly with him in trade talks.

Source: TSN

Minnesota emerges as team interested in Laine trade