On Thursday, July 26, the NHL informed the Columbus Blue Jackets that veteran winger Patrik Laine has been cleared to return to play by the NHL/NHLPA players assistance program. This news, first reported by Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, has fueled rumors about Laine requesting a trade from Ohio, potentially to the Montreal Canadiens.
Jackets' Patrik Laine cleared to return from player assistance program https://t.co/HOkcaImZAE pic.twitter.com/p2bt2fkq5U
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 26, 2024
A trade proposal on PuckGM suggests the Canadiens could acquire Laine in exchange for two prospects and two draft picks outside the first round:
**Canadiens receive:**
– Patrik Laine (with $4.4 million of his salary retained by Columbus)
**Blue Jackets receive:**
– Sean Farrell
– Bogdan Konyushkov
– Canadiens 2025 2nd-Round Pick
– Canadiens 2026 4th-Round Pick
Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now and Jim Parsons of NHL Trade Talk discussed the potential trade on July 26, agreeing that Laine would be an excellent addition to the Canadiens’ roster. Parsons noted that “Laine fits within the age range of their core and could thrive in the right environment.” Dumont added, “The Canadiens are looking for a permanent winger with above-average offensive instincts to fill a hole in the top six, and Laine certainly fits the bill.”
Laine, who has two years remaining on his contract with an $8.7 million salary cap hit, signed a $34.8 million deal over four seasons with the Blue Jackets in the summer of 2022.
Canadiens the Perfect Fit for Patrik Laine?
The Montreal Canadiens are looking to strengthen their top-six forward group, and Patrik Laine has emerged as a potential trade target.
At 26, Laine fits well with the core age group of the Canadiens’ players, making him a strong long-term addition with a solid and productive NHL track record.
Although Laine hasn’t played since 2023, he has consistently scored around 30 goals per season over the past three years.
Jonathan Marchessault ne le cache pas… Il a passé bien près de signer avec les Canadiens!
Auriez-vous aimé le voir à Montréal ? pic.twitter.com/uW7pDqaSoV— RDS (@RDSca) July 1, 2024
Given his current situation in Columbus, it’s expected that the Blue Jackets will retain part of his salary in any trade deal. They are reportedly seeking draft picks and prospects in return, according to Portzline. This potential salary retention and Laine’s scoring prowess make him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition for the Canadiens. However, General Manager Kent Hughes should be cautious, as Laine has been off the ice for several months and has struggled to find stability with any team since turning pro.
Recently, the Canadiens have pursued high-level forwards like free agent Jonathan Marchessault, highlighting their strategy to balance short and long-term contributors. Marchessault signed a five-year deal with the Nashville Predators, which the Canadiens chose not to match. Laine, being younger and fitting better with the Canadiens’ rebuilding timeline, would come at a much lower cost than the veteran free agent.
Patrik Laine’s Tumultuous Career & Situation
Laine has faced numerous challenges over the past few months and has not played a single game in 2024. His issues, both on and off the ice, included a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for mental health reasons, from which he has now been cleared.
#CBJ GM Don Waddell has said that NHL clubs considering a trade for Laine, who has requested a change of scenery, want to speak with him before deciding to engage in trade talks. Now that can happen.
Waddell declines comment on the matter.
2/2
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 26, 2024
Laine’s return to play is a positive step for the winger, although his future remains uncertain following his trade request before the offseason began. He only played 18 games in 2023, scoring 6 goals and 3 assists with a minus-10 rating, and suffered a broken clavicle on December 14 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Laine has expressed a desire for a “change of scenery,” and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed interest from multiple NHL teams, as reported by Aaron Portzline on July 26. Initially, Waddell sought a “hockey trade” to bring a regular lineup player to Columbus, but the focus has since shifted to acquiring prospects and draft picks.
The limited no-trade clause in Laine’s contract, which allows him to block trades to 10 NHL teams, adds complexity to potential trade negotiations. Given Laine’s situation in Columbus, it is unclear if he would accept a trade to any of the other 31 NHL franchises.
Since being traded to the Blue Jackets in January 2021, Laine has scored 64 goals and 74 assists in 174 games but has also missed 123 games due to various injuries and illnesses.
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