Patrik Laine is a former second overall pick who was a sniper with the Winnipeg Jets. His second season in the league, he had career highs in goals (44) and points (70). In addition, he had another career high in powerplay points which also led the league that season with 20 during the 2017-18 season.
However, since being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2020-2021 season, his career has been much different and plagued by injuries. As a Blue Jacket, the most games he has ever played in a season was 56 during the 2021-2022 season. That season, Laine also had the most goals (26) and points (56) as a Blue Jacket. He has dealt with tons of different issues as well as issues with former head coach John Tortorella.
Laine’s Bad Relationship With John Tortorella
Laine blamed Tortorella for one of the worst seasons of his career where he had just 21 points.
“Tortorella did not give freedom to anyone. Forwards want to create offensively. You have to ‘cheat’ a bit if you want to become a goal king. It is not possible if the coaches think differently. But I do as they tell me. I am who I am and do things my way. Everyone should be given the opportunity to be themselves. Then, of course, you have to play within the team’s system. I think it’s stupid not to use my potential.”
Tortorella even took things farther and benched Laine in February 2021 due to not playing defense and other reasons. Tortorella doubled down on his decision mentioning that it needed to happen. For the first time in his career, he was also scratched for the first time in his career.
As mentioned earlier, Laine dealt with tons of different injuries and am sure that also took a toll on him mentally. This past January, Laine played a career low 18 games that season. Late January, he was checked into the NHLPA Player’s Assistance Program.
Laine’s Chance At Redemption
Since January, Laine has been in the NHLPA Player’s Assistance Program due to injuries and self-described mental health reasons. This past Friday, Laine was cleared and is doing better.
During the offseason, Laine’s name has been talked about a lot in trade packages as teams are still high on the Finnish forward. Now that he is cleared, expect trade talks to heat up and a deal may even be reached soon. It was rumored the Blue Jackets would rather have draft picks than rostered players.
Laine getting traded would give him the freedom to get out of Columbus and give him the fresh start he has wanted. Depending on who he gets traded to, he could also see himself landing with a contender as the Blue Jackets will not be contending anytime soon.
If the Penguins trade for him, Laine gets to play with one of the greatest playmakers and set up men of all-time in Sidney Crosby. Crosby’s playmaking and passing skills would help Laine get to the point where he once was as a borderline superstar assuming he is healthy and okay mentally.
Why The Penguins Need To Make The Move
For starters, the Penguins get offensive talent and give Crosby the elite winger he has missed since the Penguins traded Jake Guentzel. As of now, Drew O’Connor is projected to be Crosby’s left winger. O’Connor had a career year this past season, however his 16 goals will not be enough if the Penguins want to get back to their winning ways. Enter Laine on the first line and the Penguins will have an elite one-two punch on the first line.
Also, Laine would be a huge help to a powerplay that has been abysmal the past two seasons. A first powerplay unit of Crosby, Laine, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson would be a top unit in the league. The fact that Michael Bunting and Kris Letang on the second powerplay unit is even crazier to think about.
Laine still has two years left on his deal meaning the Penguins have him under control. The Penguins can afford with him as they currently have $3.5 million dollars in cap space. Also, they can free up an extra $2 million if they include struggling forward Noel Acciari in the deal as well.
What Would It Take?
Now, the big question is what draft picks the Penguins will have to give up. Considering Laine has the elite offensive talent and is just 26 years old, it may be costly. Also, the Penguins have finally kept their picks and rebuilt their prospect pool.
However, the Penguins from the Guentzel trade and recent draft picks are slowly but surely rebuilding their prospect system. They have many prospects with bright NHL futures. Also, over the next three years, the Penguins have 25 draft picks.
Pittsburgh receives: Patrik Laine
Columbus receives: Noel Acciari, 2025 second-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
That type of offer should be able to get the deal done for both teams. The Penguins get offensive talent without giving up a first-round pick and the Blue Jackets continue their rebuild.
Also, with Laine only being 26 years old, this still helps the Penguins get younger. General Manager Kyle Dubas, needs to get on the phone and make this deal happen.
Due to Laine making $8.7 million the next two years and the Penguins only having $3.5 million dollars in cap space, the Blue Jackets need to free up some money. The Penguins including Acciari in the deal frees up $2 million, leaving the Penguins $2.2 million dollars over the salary cap. Expect the Jets to shed some salary as part of the deal. Now how much, is to be determined as long as the Penguins get at least $2.2 million. The Blue Jackets have over $11 million dollars in cap space so clearly they can make the financials work.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
