Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell makes shocking revelation about Patrik Laine
Photo credit: Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has requested a trade from the team, but it seems as though it may still be quite some time before anything is finalized.
Laine has already been traded once in his career, per his request. The Finnish forward was initially drafted 2nd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 draft and went on to play 306 games for the franchise. In those games, he recorded 140 goals and 250 points. That is the kind of production one expects from a 2nd overall pick. However, he clearly was not happy there, hence the trade. Unfortunately, it does not appear as though he has found happiness in Columbus either.
While Patrik Laine is now able to talk to other teams regarding a trade, a move from the #BlueJackets doesn't appear imminent:
New Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell recently admitted that there has not been a lot of interest in Laine from around the league. General managers are understandable hesitant considering his injury history, trade requests, and stays in the NHL player's assistance program. These factors mean that the Blue Jackets may even have to retain money on his deal in order to move him.
"At this time of the year, people are less responsive. So, I don't really know. I think it's going to play out for a while. We might end up eating some money. If I wanted to eat half, I could've traded him by now, but that's not my first choice."
Laine was released from the Player's assistance program last week, which could improve his chances of being traded before the start of the next season. After all, players in the program are not even eligible to be traded in the first place.
Patrik Laine has been officially released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
#CBJ
This could expedite the trade that's been requested by the player and his agent, Andy Scott.
#CBJ
This could expedite the trade that's been requested by the player and his agent, Andy Scott.
Since coming to Columbus, Laine has appeared in 174 games and recorded 64 goals and 138 points. Those numbers are somewhat disappointing, especially the goal total considering what he was able to to in Winnipeg. However, he did have 6 goals in 18 games last season, which is close to a 30 goal pace. Will he actually get traded this season? Stay tuned to find out.
Source: Yardbarker
Blue Jackets GM: Only one team has expressed interest in Patrik Laine
Blue Jackets GM: Only one team has expressed interest in Patrik Laine
Source: HockeyReference
Patrik Laine Career Statistics
Patrik Laine Career Statistics
| POLL | ||
2 AOUT | 78 ANSWERS Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell makes shocking revelation about Patrik Laine Do you think the Columbus Blue Jackets will trade Patrik Laine at some point during next season? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 92.3 % |
| No | 6 | 7.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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