Epic drop in Columbus Blue Jackets asking price for Patrik Laine
Photo credit: TSN
It seems like the asking price for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine isn't as high as it used to be. GM Don Waddell is prepared to take significantly less.
Laine is currently enrolled in the NHLPA Player Assistance Program due to personal struggles, but prior to this, he did demand a trade from the Blue Jackets. GM Don Waddell has been speaking to several teams over the last few weeks, but the process is taking longer than it should because teams aren't allowed to speak directly to Laine while he's in the program.
The asking price for Laine has taken a major tumble. It appeared just a few weeks ago that the Blue Jackets wanted a proven roster player that could make a big impact on the team, however now it seems they are prepared to let Laine go for simply some picks and prospects. It's also expected that Columbus will retain a portion of Laine's salary.
"Waddell is still hopeful it's not too late to find a trade partner for Patrik Laine, who asked the club for a change of scenery after a difficult last season in Columbus. Laine is still in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. While the Jackets can trade him while he's still in the program, neither they nor any other club can speak directly to Laine, and Waddell said all interested parties have asked to speak to Laine before putting together a trade package for him. «Teams keep checking in to see if there's anything new,» Waddell said. «I tell them, �You guys have to be comfortable with (Laine), and I can't help you.' I don't know the player personally. I'm not one to try and trick people either, so (we) made him available to chat (when he's cleared).»
The prime time to trade Laine � the NHL Draft and the start of free agency � have both passed, but Waddell remains hopeful. «There really aren't a lot of free agents out there,» he said. «If (teams) have the (salary) cap (space) today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know there are teams that are still interested.»
The prime time to trade Laine � the NHL Draft and the start of free agency � have both passed, but Waddell remains hopeful. «There really aren't a lot of free agents out there,» he said. «If (teams) have the (salary) cap (space) today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know there are teams that are still interested.»
There are two years remaining on Laine's contract that is paying him $8.7 million per year. Teams aren't likely willing to take all of that salary on especially knowing Laine is suffering from some mental health issues, so it is imperative that the Blue Jackets retain salary if they want a deal to get done. No matter what, something is on the verge of materializing, and Laine is also almost ready to exit the program and get back on the ice.
Credit HockeyFeed:
Report: Blue Jackets seriously lower their asking price on Patrik Laine
Report: Blue Jackets seriously lower their asking price on Patrik Laine
| POLL | ||
25 JUILLET | 103 ANSWERS Epic drop in Columbus Blue Jackets asking price for Patrik Laine Will Patrik Laine be traded soon? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 81.6 % |
| No | 10 | 9.7 % |
| By next season's trade deadline | 9 | 8.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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