Waddell seeks player for Patrik Laine, slowing Columbus trade talks
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Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell reportedly wants an immediate roster player for Patrik Laine slowing down Columbus trade talks.
When Patrik Laine can play well, he plays really well. Now that he is officially out of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assitance Program, Don Waddell has started the work to put together a trade for the 26-year-old forward. Provided how many teams know that he will leave the Columbus Blue Jackets as soon as he can, he has maintained his spot as one of the biggest names in NHL trade discussions.
Among the favorites to acquire Patrik Laine is the Montreal Canadiens. With the potential to open up cap space for this forward and fans spotting the player in the local airport, many believed the Habs moved to the top of the list as a Patrik Laine trade destination.
However, Patrik Laine had a dip in his gameplay before heading into Player Assistance. When you factor in the number of games he has played over the last few seasons, he proves even more of a liability than his current contract implies. Given this trouble, this has slowed down trade talks for the Columbus Blue Jackets forward. General manager Don Waddell, who Aaron Portzline suggested had hoped for an immediate roster player from the Montreal Canadiens, will likely have to settle on draft picks and prospects.
"You know, I don't think they can be too specific, to be honest with you. I don't think it's an immediate roster player, which could help their cause. It's probably some combination of picks and prospects. I think the bigger hitch is going to be how much of the $8.7 million that he's owed this year and next will Columbus have to swallow to get him moved along. I'm not saying it won't be a roster player, but the way that the Blue Jackets are aligned right now, with the young kids coming and with the players they've added in free agency, they don't definitely have to get a forward back in that trade, so there's some flexibility there. I think it'll be different with every team that they talk to too, just what those teams have to offer."
Though it is not the prime time to make blockbuster trades in the NHL, Don Waddell may want to try hashing out a deal before the start of the season, if at all possible. Patrik Laine has been seen training with NFL players, working harder and with more focus than he has seemed to have in years, and riding this wave may be the best for bringing in valuable returns. However, with the start of the season still so far ahead, it may be a while before something worthwhile is on the table.
Source: Habs Fanatics
Blue Jackets demand key Canadiens player in trade for Patrik Laine
Blue Jackets demand key Canadiens player in trade for Patrik Laine
| POLL | ||
11 AOUT | 43 ANSWERS Waddell seeks player for Patrik Laine, slowing Columbus trade talks Would Don Waddell be able to get a roster player for Patrik Laine? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 46.5 % |
| No | 23 | 53.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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