Patrik Laine looks to impress potential trade suitors with new offseason workout regime

Modified Aug 09, 2024 18:47 GMT

Patrik Laine is working hard this offseason. The two-time All-Star hopes to impress teams interested in trading for him. His trainer, Dr. Sharif Tabbah, recently shared an Instagram video that shows Laine performing a single-leg landmine squat with 45-60 kg of weight. Tabbah praised Laine's effort, saying:

"@patriklaine crushed this! That is not light for this exercise lol 🤯."

Patrik Laine's intense workouts come at an important time. He has two years left on his contract, with an annual value of $8.7 million. Laine has asked for a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the team’s new general manager, Don Waddell, is willing to explore options. However, Waddell has stated he won't retain half of Laine's salary to accommodate a trade.

Recently, Laine was cleared to return by the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program. He played only 18 games last season, scoring six goals and nine points. Injuries have kept Laine from reaching his potential since being traded to Columbus in 2020. During his first four seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, he scored 28 or more goals each year, including a career-high 44 goals in 2017-18.

However, since joining the Blue Jackets, Laine hasn't scored more than 26 goals in a season. Last year, he recorded 22 goals and 52 points in 55 games. During his career, Laine has totaled 204 goals and 388 points in 480 games with the Jets and Blue Jackets.

Laine’s offseason workouts show he is determined to get back on track. As teams consider trading for him, his dedication in the gym could make a strong impression.

NHL analysts spoke on Patrik Laine's trade possibilities

Patrik Laine has requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rumors link him to the Montreal Canadiens, but Sportsnet’s Eric Engels doubts that will happen. Speaking on The Sick Podcast, Engels said the Canadiens probably aren't interested in Laine.

“I’d say it’s quite minimal. You know, I’ve obviously poked around on this,” Engels said.

However, one possibility raised by TSN states that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin might reach out to Lain.

“If there’s a team to kick the tires, I think Minnesota (makes sense) because they need that star power,” Mike Rupp of NHL Network told The Athletic. “They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers.

For now, Patrik Laine will be in the trade spotlight while hoping for a good next stop.