NHL Trade Rumors: Insider provides major update on $34,800,000 Patrik Laine's move from Columbus Blue Jackets

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jul 12, 2024 07:34 GMT

Top hockey insider Jason Gregor has provided a major update regarding Patrik Laine's potential trade out of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 26-year-old Finnish forward has been in the NHL/NHPA player assistance program since January, dealing with mental health issues.

In June, TSN's Pierre LeBrun had reported that the Blue Jackets were looking to part ways with Lain this offseason. LeBrun emphasized that discussions have already occurred between Laine's agent and the organization, signaling a mutual effort to facilitate the right-winger's exit.

Patrik Laine is seeking a new beginning in his career, expressing a desire for a fresh start that eluded him in Columbus. However, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, as reported by Jason Gregor, has shed light on the current situation surrounding Laine.

Laine remains in the NHL player's assistance program, which presents a unique challenge for potential trade discussions. Gregor reports that it's permissible to trade Patrik Laine while he's in the program. Both interested teams and the Blue Jackets are keen on engaging with the player directly.

However, due to his status in the program, direct communication with Laine is restricted until he receives clearance.

"He is still in the NHL player's assistance program. He can be traded while he is in it, but the teams interested in acquiring him and the Blue Jackets would like to talk to him, but until he is cleared from the program they are unable to speak with him. He is close to being cleared, but until that happens, I don't see a trade occurring," Portzline on Patrik Laine. @Sports1440," Gregor tweeted.

Although Patrik Laine is nearing clearance from the program, the trade process is at a standstill until he's officially cleared, indicating that a trade may not materialize until this crucial step is completed.

Laine has two years remaining on a four-year, $34,8 million deal signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022. He will become a UFA at the end of the 2025-26 season.

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Dan Rosen on how Patrik Laine trade might look like

NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs (IMAGN)

Senior NHL writer Dan Rosen, on his NHL.com mailbag on July 10, shared his insights on the potential trade involving Laine, likening it with the Evgeny Kuznetsov trade to the Carolina Hurricanes by the Washington Capitals in March.

In that trade, the Caps traded Kuzentsov to the Canes for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft, with Washington retaining his 50% salary. However, in Coulumbus' case, the club aims for a more favorable outcome in a trade involving Laine.

The only hurdle Rosen foresees is Laine's current status in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, making it uncertain when or if he will be released.