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Ex-Oiler opines team lacking Stanley Cup ambitions may be the ideal destination for Patrik Laine
On Tuesday, former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney discussed the future of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine on the latest episode of "Spittin' Chiclets" with co-host Paul Bissonnette. As per reports, Laine has requested a trade from the Blue Jackets.
When Bissonnette asked if Edmonton could be a good option for Laine, Whitney replied:
[01:58:10] "I don't think Edmonton needs him. I think the way Edmonton's forwards look right now and the free agency they had with Arvidsson and Skinner, no.
"I think honestly, dude, that if somebody's going to trade for him, it would kind of be like a team like Calgary or a team that really doesn't have cup aspirations. Because how, if you're a team that is thinking going into this season that you can win the Stanley Cup, is this guy going to be the addition that you think will put you over the top?"
Laine, drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, has faced injuries and inconsistency with the Blue Jackets. In January, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for his mental health.
On Friday, he was cleared to rejoin Columbus on July 26, and he can now discuss trade options with general manager Don Waddell. Laine has a 10-team no-trade list and a contract through 2025-26 with an annual value of $8.7 million.
Trading Patrik Laine could be difficult since many teams have limited cap space after summer signings. Waddell might need to retain up to 50 percent of Laine's salary to facilitate a deal.
Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has close connections with Florida Panthers
George Richards of Florida Hockey Now linked Patrik Laine to the Florida Panthers. Last week, Laine exited the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and requested a trade. He has been training in South Florida. As per Richards, he is close with Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and other Finnish players on the team. His best NHL seasons were under coach Paul Maurice, who now coaches the Panthers.
However, financial constraints make an immediate trade unlikely. Laine's contract has two seasons left with an $8.7 million annual cap hit, while the Panthers have only $766,000 in cap space for the 2024-25 season. Richards suggested a future move could be made when Patrik Laine becomes a free agent in two years.
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