This is typically the quietest time in the hockey offseason. Then Patrik Laine changed all of that last week with news he has been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA assistance program and is ready to return to the ice.
The Finnish forward reportedly requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and there was word earlier this offseason that new Columbus GM Don Waddell was open to working with Laine’s agent on potential trade destinations — even with his cap hit and dicey injury history.
The rumor mill is now working overtime, with outlets across North America speculating where Laine could land. While there is an argument for how he would fit on a plethora of teams, there are two that seem to be favored more than others at this point late in the offseason.
Patrik Laine’s goal in the 3rd period is tonight’s @FanaticsBook GOAL OF THE GAME! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/D9kFS7mkkt
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 13, 2023
The early buzz suggests that Laine will stay in the Eastern Conference, with the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals being destinations multiple outlets have targeted.
Forever Blueshirts reminds us that Waddell was the Canes GM for the past six years and knows the ins and outs of that organization quite well, so this would set a good foundation if Carolina is interested in a trade. Cap space could be an issue and Carolina already has two top right-wingers in Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas, although there could be a twist there.
“Necas, like Laine, has asked for a trade,” the outlet says. “New Carolina GM Eric Tulsky may want to rid himself of a productive, yet unhappy player, and take a big swing with a Laine trade.”
Sports Illustrated likes the idea of Laine in D.C. because of what they have already accomplished in the offseason. Since being swept by the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs, they have added depth in center Pierre-Luc Dubois, winger Andrew Mangiapane, defenseman Jakob Chychrun and goaltender Logan Thompson. They also add, via NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, that Washington could have the room for Laine’s cap hit.
“The Capitals should be in the mix to try to acquire him, especially with the $3.9M gained with [Evgeny] Kuznetsov’s contract termination, a mutual agreement made between the player and the Hurricanes,” Rosen said in response to a mailbag question.
PATRIK LAINE GOAL 💥@OhioHealth | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/K8c2wA0VC8
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 23, 2023
Laine, 26, totaled just nine points (six goals, three assists) in 18 games played in the 2023-24 season, his fourth with Columbus. He has registered 388 points (204 goals, 184 assists) over nine seasons in the NHL split between the Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets.
