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Aaron Portzline speculates why Patrik Laine has not been traded so far by Columbus Blue Jackets
Aaron Portzline from The Athletic explained why Patrik Laine hasn’t been traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets. On NHL Network’s Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook, Portzline gave some details on the situation.
Portzline noted that Laine’s clearance from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program is a good sign. However, this doesn’t mean he’s staying with the Blue Jackets. Now that Laine is available for talks, interested teams can start discussions.
Portzline said new GM Don Waddell was cautious about trading Laine.
"I think honestly, Don Waddell did not want to trade him until other teams had a chance to talk to him. He doesn’t know the player. He’s new in Columbus, he doesn’t have a relationship with Patrik. And he doesn’t want to be that guy that trades players to another team or misrepresenting what that player can be."
Waddell allowed teams to talk directly with Laine’s agent, Andy Scott, before any trade talks. The approach shows that Waddell wants to be clear and honest about Laine. By letting teams talk to Laine’s agent, Waddell hopes to avoid errors in assessing the player. With Laine cleared, teams can now see if he fits their needs. This begins a new phase for his potential trade.
Insider discusses Patrik Laine's future with Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens
As the NHL season approaches, Patrik Laine's future is being discussed. The idea of him returning to the Winnipeg Jets is popular, but NHL insider Scott Billeck has doubts.
"The risk is very high, and even if Columbus retained half, the Jets don’t have the cap space to make it work without shipping out someone.... but there’s a bigger problem. Where does Laine fit?" Billeck writes via the Winnipeg Sun.
Laine, who moved to the Columbus Blue Jackets in June 2021 on a $34.8 million deal, could be too expensive.
Even if the Blue Jackets paid part of his $8.7 million salary, the Jets may not have the cap space. Their current forwards, including Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, already form a strong lineup.
Another possible team for Laine is the Montreal Canadiens. They are rebuilding and might need Laine’s skills. However, NHL insider Eric Engels says the Canadiens are not very interested.
"I'd say it's quite minimal. You know I've obviously poked around on this.." Engels said via "The Sick Podcast."
As Patrik Laine gets ready to return from the NHLPA’s Players Assistance Program, his future remains unclear.
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