Three Potential Destinations For Jets' Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine and the Winnipeg Jets are on their way to breaking up. The team has been working the phones for a few weeks now gauging the interest around the league for the Finnish sniper. While there's still question marks regarding the divisional set up for next season, the Jets are open to listening to all offers on Laine, regardless of where the team is located.

Here's three potential destinations Winnipeg could be sending Laine:

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are looking to upgrade their offense, as all the team's success comes from how well they play defensively. Defenseman David Savard is someone the Jets have interest in but CBJ would need to add lots more to complete a deal. What Columbus may end up doing is signing free-agent Mike Hoffman instead of sending a huge package to Winnipeg. Plus...could you see Laine, who doesn't love playing defense or blocking shots, playing for John Tortorella.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have one of the deepest defensive groups in the league and these two teams have discussed trades in the past. Either Brett Pesce or Haydn Fleury would be near the top of the Jets' list, but it makes you wonder if a Dougie Hamilton for Laine straight up deal could be the play here. If Hamilton was to agree to a contract extension immediately, the Jets would likely be open to this. Keep an eye on Carolina, they would love Laine to play with his buddy Sebastian Aho for the next ten years.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres signed Taylor Hall to a one-year deal as newly minted GM, Kevyn Adams tries to show captain, Jack Eichel the team is dedicated to winning. This move would be another home run and would give the Sabres one of the best first-lines in hockey. Eichel, Hall and Laine would be scary for opposing teams and entertaining as hell for everyone else. Perhaps a deal including Rasmus Ristolainen or Sam Reinhart would be something Winnipeg would like to hear more about. These two teams have made several trades in the past, could be another one coming.

Patrik Laine's days appeared to be numbered in Winnipeg as he hasn't been happy with his ice-time or more specifically, who's he's playing with on a regular basis. Laine doesn't see himself as a second-line player, and never has understood why he hasn't had his fair shake with Jets star Mark Scheifele. Teams around the league don't really care what happened, they just care about what's next.