Is it worth the risk for the Detroit Red Wings to trade for Patrik Laine? If they do, where would he fit into their top-nine forward group?
Recently, Patrik Laine was cleared from the NHL and NHLPA Players Assistance Program, which has intensified trade speculation. Should the Detroit Red Wings consider acquiring the young scoring forward? Laine entered the assistance program earlier this year for mental health reasons, and it was reported that he and the Columbus Blue Jackets had mutually agreed on a trade to give the 26-year-old a fresh start.
Since June, Laine has been at the center of trade rumors. After three challenging years with the Blue Jackets, it’s logical for both parties to seek a change. However, several obstacles could limit his trade options. Laine’s contract has an $8.7 million cap hit for this year and next, with $9.1 million in actual salary owed each season. Additionally, Laine has a ten-team no-trade list. Anthony Ibanez of Octopus Thrower also considered this possibility in June.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline mentioned that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell wants to make a trade where Columbus acquires an NHL-ready player without retaining any of Laine’s salary. This scenario seems unlikely given Laine’s recent shoulder injury and his declining performance over the past few seasons. Portzline speculated that the Jackets might prefer a trade involving draft picks and prospects, and might need to retain some salary to facilitate such a deal.
Should the Detroit Red Wings consider making a move for Patrik Laine?
Laine, 26, scored six goals and had nine points with a minus-10 rating over 18 games last season before a mid-December clavicle injury ended his year. Known for his previous three straight 30-plus goal seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Laine has recorded 64 goals and 138 points in 174 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but his defensive rating has worsened, with a combined minus-58 over the last four years.
Columbus tried using Laine at center to boost his offense, but he is generally more effective on the wing.
If the Detroit Red Wings were to pursue Laine, he could complement the reliable two-way play of Michael Rasmussen and Andrew Copp, creating a potent third line for coach Derek Lalonde. At 26, Laine fits within Detroit’s competitive window and adds significant versatility to the lineup. With Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Vladimir Tarasenko slated for top-line spots, Laine’s scoring prowess could be valuable on a third line and on the power play, posing challenges for opponents.
General manager Steve Yzerman still needs to finalize deals with restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. If Laine becomes available, a trade involving Jonatan Berggren or Albert Johansson could be possible, though Columbus may need to retain some salary or Yzerman might need to offload another contract like Justin Holl or Ville Husso. Detroit currently has around $17.6 million in cap space, but much of that will likely go toward their RFAs.
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