Patrik Laine trade imminent following his exit from Player Assistance Program
Photo credit: The New York Times
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been released from the NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which will allow a trade to happen any day now.
While Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell was still able to trade Laine while he was in the program, it definitely stalled things as teams reportedly wanted to speak directly to Laine first before pulling the trigger on any deals, which up until now was not allowed. Now that he's released, teams will be getting in line to speak to him, which should hopefully lead his trade demand to be fulfilled shortly.
Good news on Patrik Laine: he is cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Glad to see he is feeling better.
Laine is still recovering from shoulder surgery. As for his NHL future, teams interested in acquiring him were told they are free to contact Laine. So that's the next step before he and the Blue Jackets decide how to proceed.
Laine is still recovering from shoulder surgery. As for his NHL future, teams interested in acquiring him were told they are free to contact Laine. So that's the next step before he and the Blue Jackets decide how to proceed.
Laine was injured multiple times last season, resulting in him only appearing in 18 games, where he put up six goals and three assists. Due to his multiple and recurring injuries, combined with the fact he was dealing with mental health issues, teams will likely not want to assume his full $8.7M yearly salary. The only way a deal gets made is for Waddell to retain a huge chunk of that salary.
Congrats to Laine for exiting the program, and here's hoping he has better days ahead, possibly in a new uniform.
Credit Pro Hockey Rumors:
Patrik Laine Exits NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program
Patrik Laine Exits NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program
| POLL | ||
26 JUILLET | 149 ANSWERS Patrik Laine trade imminent following his exit from Player Assistance Program Will Patrik Laine be traded this off-season? | ||
| Yes | 134 | 89.9 % |
| No | 15 | 10.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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