Major trade progress with Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine unveiled
A significant trade update involving Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been unveiled by hockey insider Jason Gregor.
"He is still in the NHL player's assistance program. He can be traded while he is in it, but the teams interested in acquiring him and the Blue Jackets would like to talk to him, but until he is cleared from the program they are unable to speak with him. He is close to being cleared, but until that happens, I don't see a trade occurring," Portzline on Patrik Laine. @Sports1440
The Washington Capitals have now emerged as the front runners to acquire Laine, according to various sources. The Capitals have shown interest in initiating direct discussions with Laine and his representatives before entering into formal negotiations.
Patrik Laine Should Be on the Capitals' Trade Radar
If there's one potential obstacle to a trade, it's that Laine intends to continue his participation in the NHLPA's player assistance program for the foreseeable future. As long as he remains in the program, he is restricted from engaging directly with teams. Therefore, the Capitals may need to wait until Laine exits the program to initiate discussions, or they could start preparing a trade offer without direct communication with him.
MacLellan and his staff ultimately have to determine if they want Laine's services and what they are willing to give up to get him. It would be interesting to see how Carbery would use him. There almost would certainly be a temptation to put him on a line with Ovechkin and see if any chemistry is created between the two.
It will be intriguing to observe how everything unfolds over the next few months of summer.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Massive trade development regarding Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine
| POLL |
JUILLET 13 | 230 ANSWERS Major trade progress with Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine unveiled Do you think Patrik Laine will be traded to the Washington Capitals? |
| Yes | 86 | 37.4 % |
| No | 144 | 62.6 % |
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