NHL Trade Rumors: 8 Potential Destinations Named For Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine is currently in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, while also recovering from injury problems, and an overall disastrous season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. But the wheels have been in motion for some time—pretty much all season—to move him to a new destination. He's expected to be healthy and ready to go for training camp, but where will that be?

The Blue Jackets are hoping not to retain any of the $8.7 million cap hit that Laine is owed for two more seasons, making a trade challenging, but still, there are plenty of teams who'd be interested in giving the former No. 2 overall selection a new lease on life.

A recent report from Sonny Sachdeva of Sportsnet posited no less than eight potential landing spots for Laine, as follows:

Seattle Kraken

“You have to watch Seattle on this one,” insider Elliotte Friedman said recently. “That doesn’t come as a surprise, because the Kraken have been looking for scorers." We outlined this scenario here.

Carolina Hurricanes

With Jake Guentzel set to leave in free agency (or via trade before then), the Canes will be looking to replace his scoring. Laine could be the fit.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Still looking to "get younger" as GM Kyle Dubas has said, the 26-year-old Laine could still fit that desire. He could also replace Guentzel on this roster as well, after they traded him to Carolina at the deadline.

Utah Hockey Club

The newly-relocated club's roster "is short on veteran game-breaking talent," writes Sachdeva, and an exciting scorer like Laine returning to form would be just the boost they'd be looking to bring the new fans in Utah.

Anaheim Ducks

They finished 30th in goals per game this season.

Nashville Predators

The team is clearly looking for an offensive boost, and an offensive-minded coach like Andrew Brunette could be just the tonic Laine needs to return to his former glory.

Chicago Blackhawks

They're looking to take a big step up in the rebuild process, and Laine, a proven 40-goal scorer, could be the perfect add, as his age (26) still fits the timeline.

San Jose Sharks

Another rebuilding club that could use a proven young veteran to help lead the troops.