Patrik Laine linked to last season's Presidents' Trophy winner

The New York Rangers have been on the cusp of a Stanley Cup for the past three years, but with their lineup falling apart at the worst time, they're yet to make it to the biggest stage over that time. Unfortunately for New York, one of their biggest holes has been the top line alongside the superstar duo of Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, as everyone they have tried there has thus far either failed or been forced out due to salary cap complications.

Now, one Rangers analyst has made the connection between New York and Patrik Laine, and while it would be a salary cap nightmare to make happen, the workings of a deal came together. To make it happen, the Rangers would likely have to shed the salary cap of Jacob Trouba and/or Ryan Lindgren, thus weakening their blue line, but to find a former 40-goal scorer up front alongside two incredible names, it may be worth the risk.

On top of that, they would need Columbus to retain potentially significant salary on the final two years of Laine's deal, but with the all-in mentality in New York, they could sacrifice the necessary picks and prospects to make it happen. At this point in time, teams like Chicago, Carolina and Montreal are all in the running to land Laine, but if the Rangers get aggressive in filling one of the biggest holes in their lineup, don't be surprised to see them make a play.

Source: Blue Line Station
Exploring a New York Rangers trade for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine