GM Don Waddell addresses difficult circumstances surrounding Patrik Laine's trade out of Columbus Blue Jackets

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jul 16, 2024 07:26 GMT

Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell recently addressed the challenging circumstances surrounding Patrik Laine's trade out of the team. The 26-year-old Finn forward is currently getting assistance in the NHL/NHLPA program after entering the program in January due to mental and health issues.

Last month, rumors circulated about Laine expressing a desire to seek a fresh start for his career by leaving Columbus. Despite the speculations, there has been a lack of progress or updates concerning Laine's future with the Blue Jackets since then.

In a conversation with The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, the Blue Jackets' newly appointed GM and president of hockey operations highlighted the scarcity of free agents in the the current market.

He emphasized that teams with salary cap space now are likely to maintain it in the near future, indicating ongoing interest in Patrik Laine from various teams despite the limited availability of players (via Score):

"There really aren't a lot of free agents out there," the executive told The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "If (teams) have the (salary) cap (space) today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know there are teams that are still interested."

The situation becomes more complex as teams, including Columbus, are unable to communicate directly with Laine while he receives care in the program. Once Laine is cleared, Waddell has made it clear that he will make him available for discussions.

"Teams keep checking in to see if there's anything new," he said. "I tell them, 'You guys have to be comfortable with (Laine), and I can't help you.' I don't know the player personally. I'm not one to try and trick people either, so (we) made him available to chat (when he's cleared)."

Patrik Laine signed a four-year, $34.8 million deal with the Blue Jackets in 2022. He has two years remaining on his deal before becoming a UFA at the end of the 2025-26 season.

How has Patrik Laine fared for the Blue Jackets?

NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Columbus Blue Jackets (IMAGN)

Laine joined the Blue Jackets in the 2020–21 season following a trade with the Winnipeg Jets. He was drafted second overall by the Jets in 2016 and played for five years with the club.

Laine has been with the Blue Jackets for the past four seasons, scoring 138 points through 64 goals and 74 assists. His last season was cut short by 18 games due to multiple injuries.

Despite Patrik Laine being at the center of trade rumors, the situation remains uncertain. The main obstacle is his status in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, casting doubt on the timeline of his potential release from the program.