Winnipeg Jets reporter links team to a massive reunion with Patrik Laine

Two years ago, the Winnipeg Jets traded Patrik Laine to Columbus one-for-one for Pierre-Luc Dubois, but the love for Laine in Winnipeg has never truly gone away. With rumours about his impending departure from Columbus, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press has now outlined a situation in which the team could look to bring him back.

According to Wiebe, if the Blue Jackets would retain some salary (in this proposed situation, they would need to retain $3.7 million annually over the next two years), the Jets would have some genuine interest in the 26-year old. Despite some issues off the ice, Laine has been a solid performer in Columbus throughout his tenure, and with the Jets needing some serious firepower up front, it could make sense for both parties.

In recent times, it has been revealed that the Blue Jackets are looking for prospects and draft picks, and with the disgruntled Rutger McGroarty looking for playing time, uniting him with fellow Michigan star Adam Fantili may be the move to get the Jets their star back. At this point, it would still be an absolute shock if Laine were to head back to Winnipeg, but where there's smoke, there's fire, and with all of the chatter, there may just be mutual interest in a reunion after all.