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Patrik Laine trade: 3 teams that should avoid Blue Jackets star
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been the subject of trade rumors, but no deal has been made. He is a skilled forward who would help out plenty of teams.
However, Laine has struggled to stay healthy and is inconsistent at times, which has hindered his play. With Laine coming with some baggage, here are three NHL teams that should avoid a trade for Laine.
3 teams that should avoid trading for Patrik Laine
#1, Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been in the trade rumors for Patrik Laine, but the team should not try trading for him.
The Penguins are trying to stay competitive with Sidney Crosby only having a couple of years left in his career. The team traded for Erik Karlsson last year but that didn't work out, and Pittsburgh shouldn't make the same mistake with Laine.
#2, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been a popular spot in mock trades for Patrik Laine. However, trading for Laine doesn't make much sense for the Maple Leafs, as Toronto has other issues.
The Maple Leafs have likely decided to run back the same core four, which has fans complaining. But, if Toronto adds Laine, that is another skilled forward making a lot of money who has struggled at times.
Laine isn't a fit for the Maple Leafs who have more pressing needs than adding another top-six forward.
#3, Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have also been mentioned in trade rumors for Patrik Laine, but the team shouldn't trade for him.
The Flyers are a borderline playoff team, but Laine doesn't seem like a fit for the roster, or playing for John Tortorella. Laine would likely struggle playing for Tortorella who is known to play his players hard and isn't afraid to bench them.
The cost to acquire Laine also wouldn't be worth it for the Flyers who aren't a Stanley Cup contender.
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