Insider shares the five teams rumoured to be making a push for Patrik Laine

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Julien Trekker
August 11, 2024 (1:50 PM)

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An insider shared which five NHL teams are rumored to be making a push for Columbus Blue Jackets' top forward Patrik Laine on the trade market.

Once again, Patrik Laine has been among the hot topics this offseason. Following a tough season where the Finnish forward was limited to only 18 games because of injuries and his time in the Player Assistance Program, there's very little doubt about his ability to get back into NHL shape and play an important role for an organization. However, that won't be with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

A few weeks ago, the Blue Jackets' new general manager, Don Waddell, stated in an interview on TSN that Laine wants a fresh start. He also said that he will take time to explore all his options:

"Patrik's made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer, he would like a fresh start somewhere. We will look at it when the time comes - which hopefully is very soon - all the options. Now, I can't rule out any options, even returning here because it takes two teams to make a trade, and if there's not a trade that makes any sense to us, then we have to just deal with what reality is."

Speaking of options, the renowned insider Eklund revealed in a recent report that five teams are still involved in trade rumors to land the 6'5" beast: the Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, and Utah HC.

In the insider's own words:

"Specific to Patrik Laine, I've heard that the Chicago Blackhawks are the No. 1 team that is eager to acquire him for a fresh start in another city. The idea of getting Laine together with Connor Bedard makes a TON of sense. I've also heard Carolina, the Islanders, and LA have interest. Utah is a dark horse.

More to come..."

Acquiring Laine in a trade would come with a high price, but it could pay off a lot more in the future.

Despite everything that has happened since the start of his NHL career, he remains a very good hockey player. Getting a fresh start could help him get his career back on track.

Source: TSN
Waddell on Laine trade talks: 'He would like a fresh start someplace'

Source for Patrik Laine's statistics: Hockey DB
Patrik Laine