Columbus forward Patrik Laine exited the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Friday, allowing him to return to both the ice and the trade market.
Laine, who was acquired by the Blue Jackets from Winnipeg during the 2021 season, has reportedly requested a trade from Columbus. Last season, he scored six goals and added nine points in 18 games before suffering a broken clavicle in a December 14 game against the Maple Leafs.
Following his injury, Laine entered the Player Assistance Program about a month later. Recently, Columbus’s new general manager, Don Waddell, indicated that a trade involving Laine is likely to be finalized before the start of the new season. According to the Columbus Dispatch, a significant obstacle in trade negotiations was Laine’s inability to communicate with Waddell or other general managers while in the program.
Laine has two years remaining on his contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $8.7 million. The Florida Panthers, despite Laine’s training in South Florida and his connections within the organization, are not expected to pursue him due to financial constraints. Laine is friends with Panthers’ captain Sasha Barkov and knows other Finnish players on the team, such as Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Niko Mikkola.
Laine enjoyed his best seasons in the NHL during his initial years with the Jets, scoring 138 goals under coach Paul Maurice. However, a move to the Panthers is unlikely at this time.
At 26, Laine still has a significant portion of his career ahead. He will become a free agent in two seasons.
Leave a Reply