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NHL Rumors: Insider doesn't back idea of Patrik Laine getting traded to Jets
The possibility of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine returning to the Winnipeg Jets is one story that has garnered attention through the course of the offseason.
With the 2024/25 NHL season fast approaching, the Jets will hope to wrap up their side of the business soon. However, NHL insider Scott Billeck isn’t fully on board with the idea.
Laine, formerly of the Winnipeg Jets, switched his allegiance in June 2021 when he signed a four-year deal with the Blue Jackets worth $34.8 million. In an article for the Winnipeg Sun, Billeck said,
"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?"
While assessing the Jets' roster depth, Billeck highlighted the embarrassment of riches they have at their disposal in terms of attacking prowess,
"Winnipeg’s top six is more or less set at the moment, with Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi, Cole Perfetti, Nikolaj Ehlers, and one of Brad Lambert or Vladislav Namestnikov."
Furthermore, Billeck noted that he isn't confident in the Jets pulling off the trade due to their lack of cap space. The forward currently has two seasons remaining on his current deal.
Through the remainder of his contract Laine is set to bag $8.7 million AAV, a price that is likely to be too steep for the Jets to pursue even if the Blue Jackets retain half of it.
Montreal an unlikely landing spot for Patrik Laine
An exit from Columbus still remains the likely play for Patrik Laine. However, it still remains to be seen which team would be ready to take a gamble on the once heralded superstar.
Apart from a fairytale reunion with the Jets, another team that's been heavily linked with a move for the Finnish international are the Montreal Canadiens.
The Habs are undergoing a rebuild and could be the perfect environment for the Blue Jackets forward to thrive. However, NHL insider Eric Engels, while appearing on the Sick Podcast appeared to hit the brakes on the chances of a potential trade.
Regarding the Canadiens' interest in Patrik Laine, Engels said,
"I'd say it's quite minimal. You know I've obviously poked around on this. He wants a new start, I could understand that... I don't think they're offering up all kinds of packages to get him and leading the race, quote unquote."
With the Blue Jackets forward set to return following his stint in the NHLPA's Players Assistance Program, Patrik Laine's storyline remains one to watch out for in the ensuing weeks.
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