On June 12, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine are looking to part ways with a trade this summer.
This season was difficult for the winger. He played only 18 games due to injuries during the first half. In January, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to focus on his mental health and well-being where he spent the remainder of the season.
Laine’s tenure with the Blue Jackets has been disappointing. Acquired from the Winnipeg Jets early in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, he’s been hampered by injuries ever since. He has two seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.
Selected second overall by the Jets in the 2016 NHL draft, he had the making of a scoring star. He netted 36 goals in his 2016-17 rookie season, followed by a 44-goal performance in his sophomore year. His production dropped to 30 goals and 50 points in 2018-19, but he had 28 goals and 63 points in 68 games before COVID ended the 2019-20 season.
LeBrun indicated Laine seeks a fresh start elsewhere. Given his contract and injury history, he’s not sure what the market will be for the 26-year-old, but his potential for a bounce-back performance could make him enticing for clubs seeking more scoring.
