Monster trade scenario emerges for Patrik Laine!
Another move for the first-rounder?!
HockeyFeed
Patrik Laine might have scored for his Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday’s night, he also got injured which can only add to his frustration with the team and the current season.
There has been recent chatter that the first-rounder isn’t satisfied in Columbus, especially with the bumpy start to the 2023-24 season. He missed nine games earlier this season due to a concussion and three more with an illness. The worst blow came when he was a healthy scratch on Nov. 19, calling it “the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me.”
Laine may still be bitter about that one as, last week, The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek pointed out how the star forward looked indifferent on the ice and even wondered if he could be dealing with nagging symptoms from his concussion. If not, would he need a boost in confidence? If that’s the case, Duhatschek suggested a bold scenario in which he could see the Washington Capitals acquiring Laine as Alex Ovechkin’s potential successor could help him get back to the top scorer he once was.
“That supreme, almost-Ovechkin-like confidence Laine once had in his ability to score goals seems as if it’s completely disappeared. Could landing in Washington, as potentially Ovechkin’s successor, be the change of venue that he needs? Hard to say. Maybe it would.”
However, Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch doubts a trade involving Laine can happen, blaming his contract as a serious sticking point. Per Cap Friendly, Laine is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.
“There has been talk that Laine may be traded but, let’s be clear, he has never asked to be moved. His deal runs through the 2025-26 campaign and, unless the Jackets are willing to eat a portion of the contract, then there’s no chance Laine is going anywhere,” wrote Garrioch.
Laine needs to find his touch again, especially if Columbus want to battle back to being a top contender. There was hope when he scored a goal in last night’s 6-5 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs but it could be back downhill since he was unable to finish the contest due to an upper-body injury.
UPDATE: It was confirmed on Friday that Laine is expected to be sidelined six weeks with a clavicle fracture. That scenario will however have to wait, though it certainly means that there is a good chance the Blue Jackets will quickly fall out of playoff contention and be seller again at this year's trade deadline.
Recommended articles:
