Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! It is mid-July. Things have quieted down, but that does not mean there is not some buzzing here and there. Today’s rumour looks at the Columbus Blue Jackets waiting on Patrick Laine’s status in the player assistance program.
NHL Rumours
Rumour: Spectors Hockey Lyle Richardson discusses the latest on Patrik Laine
Lyle Richardson gathers the latest #NHL rumors and speculation on Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine, Flyers center Morgan Frost and the Golden Knights’ goaltending tandem. https://t.co/ZSqvUW7rRr
— Spector’s Hockey (@SpectorsHockey) July 17, 2024
Laine entered the player assistance program in late January of this year. The reason Laine entered is unknown. Prior to entering the program, the season had been a rough one for Laine with injuries.
Laine’s Status Impacts Trade Implications
In early June, Laine requested a trade from the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets are interested in trading Laine. However, Laine remaining in the program makes it hard for a trade to happen. While Laine can be traded while in the program, other teams have expressed interest in speaking to Laine first. Under the rules of the program, neither the Blue Jackets or another team can speak to Laine.
Laine has two years left on his contract with a $8.7 million cap hit per year. Furthermore, Laine has a 10-team no-trade list.
Is It Too Late To Trade Laine?
Prior to the beginning of the off-season, there were teams who were a match for Laine. However, with free agency and trades occurring, many teams have filled in the holes that Laine could have filled. This gives the Blue Jackets a smaller market to trade Laine in.
If the Blue Jackets cannot move Laine before the season starts, they will have to play him. Furthermore, a strong season by Laine could gain attention by the trade deadline. This would help fuel a trade. Furthermore, the team that trades for Laine would not be taking on as much salary. They would also have Laine under contract through next season, meaning they would get two playoff runs with Laine.
Since it is mid-July, it might be too late to trade Laine. However, big trades do happen in training camp and the preseason. For example, Nail Yakupov and Justin Faulk were traded shortly before the start of the regular season in 2016 and 2019, respectively.
Of course, none of this matters until Laine leaves the program.
Fits For Laine
The Montreal Canadiens are a team that would be a fit for Laine. Laine could help be part of their rebuild. He could either be a key piece in it, or could get traded for draft capital. Laine could be a “bridge player” while the Canadiens wait for Ivan Demidov to come into the league. On the other hand, Laine could be a complimentary line mate with Demidov.
If they could get the Blue Jackets to retain some salary, the Nashville Predators would be an interesting fit as well. After signing Steven Stamkos and Johnathan Marchessault, trading for Laine would make an already talented roster even more talented.
Again, Laine Must Leave The Program First
There is no timetable on when Laine will leave the program. His trade request indicated that he would be leaving it soon, but as we know, he still has not. Until that time, all this just remains talk. Laine leaving the program is the first domino that has to fall.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
