NHL Trade Rumors: Patrik Laine trade linked to 5 teams

According to Josh Wegman of The Score, the Columbus Blue Jackets could have five potential suitors for a Patrik Laine trade.

Laine, who was recently released from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, wants out of Columbus and has asked general manager Don Waddell to make a move. Laine, who hasn't found consistent offense in Columbus, appeared in just 18 games last season, recording nine points.

Laine has two seasons left on his contract at $8.7 million average annual value. Wegman sees the Blue Jackets having the best fit for a trade with one of the Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche or Vegas Golden Knights.

Each of the mentioned teams don't have enough cap space to add Laine without having to send a contract back the other way and likely have the Blue Jackets retain some of the Finnish forward's remaining salary.

Wegman lists the Penguins has a five star fit and points out Pittsburgh has $3.5 million in cap space and a dyer need to add to their top-six.

Patrik Laine has 117 points in his last 129 games.

Let’s stop acting like he’s a bum.
— Talk_canadiens (@talk_canadiens) July 27, 2024

Patrik Laine was just spotted in Trudeau National Airport👀🤣

#montreal #canadiens #habs #gohabsgo #nhl #Laine #Airport pic.twitter.com/OU8mm74BEZ
— Justin Harrison (@Justinhabs1993) August 1, 2024