Blue Jackets insider reveals unexpected asking price for Patrik Laine trade

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Gabriel Sami
July 26, 2024 (7:23 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets appear determined to trade Patrik Laine, and a recent report has disclosed their surprisingly modest asking price.

After two challenging seasons, the Columbus Blue Jackets are shifting their focus to younger players. With a new management team in place, it's evident that they're looking to move on from Patrik Laine. This situation is complicated by Laine's current status in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program. Nevertheless, new GM Don Waddell is prepared to negotiate when the opportunity arises.

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Blue Jackets' asking price for Laine has been revealed and it's considerably lower than anticipated:

"Waddell is still hopeful it's not too late to find a trade partner for Patrik Laine, who asked the club for a change of scenery after a difficult last season in Columbus. Laine is still in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. While the Jackets can trade him while he's still in the program, neither they nor any other club can speak directly to Laine, and Waddell said all interested parties have asked to speak to Laine before putting together a trade package for him. «Teams keep checking in to see if there's anything new,» Waddell said. «I tell them, 'You guys have to be comfortable with (Laine), and I can't help you.' I don't know the player personally. I'm not one to try and trick people either, so (we) made him available to chat (when he's cleared).»

The prime time to trade Laine � the NHL Draft and the start of free agency � have both passed, but Waddell remains hopeful. «There really aren't a lot of free agents out there,» he said. «If (teams) have the (salary) cap (space) today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know there are teams that are still interested.»

It's uncertain when Laine will be cleared from the Player Assistance Program, allowing the team to engage in negotiations. However, when that happens, the Blue Jackets are focusing on acquiring draft picks and prospects rather than immediate roster players, contrary to earlier expectations. With training camp approaching, it might be sensible for a contending team to trade some future assets for a prolific goal-scorer like Laine.

Source: Hockey Feed
Report: Blue Jackets seriously lower their asking price on Patrik Laine

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