NHL Trade Rumors: One Team Out Of The Patrik Laine Sweepstakes

Monday, August 12, 2024 ,


According to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, the Washington Capitals are unlikely to pursue a trade for Patrik Laine, despite his availability on the market following his request for a move away from the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Laine's $8.7 million cap hit for the next two years poses a significant challenge for the Capitals, who are already navigating tight cap space. 

While the 26-year-old winger has undeniable talent as a goal scorer, his recent inconsistencies and struggles with injuries have raised concerns about his ability to be a consistent contributor, making him a less attractive option for a team focused on building a stable and reliable roster.

The Capitals have been overhauling their roster this offseason, with new additions like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jakob Chychrun aimed at addressing their offensive needs. 

However, adding Laine to the mix would be a risky move, especially given his similarity to former Capital Evgeny Kuznetsov, who also struggled with consistency despite his impressive skill set. 

With T.J. Oshie's status uncertain and the team needing to manage its cap carefully, the Capitals seem hesitant to take on Laine's contract, even if his goal-scoring ability could potentially fill a crucial void in their lineup.

Ultimately, while Laine's potential to rejuvenate his career in a new environment is appealing, the Capitals appear content with their current direction under new general manager Chris Patrick. 

The team's cautious approach suggests that they are prioritizing stability and the integration of younger talent over making a bold, expensive gamble on a player like Laine. 

As a result, it seems unlikely that Washington will make a move for the Finnish winger, focusing instead on building a competitive roster with the assets they already have in place.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports



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