Trade talks emerge linking the Minnesota Wild to Blue Jackets Patrik Laine
Photo credit: New York Times
A new report from NHL Network suggests the Minnesota Wild might be a potential suitor in the Patrik Laine trade sweepstakes.
Laine's relationship with the Columbus Blue Jackets deteriorated over the 2023-24 NHL season, culminating in him leaving the team to focus on his mental health through the NHL's Player Assistance Program. Laine missed the remainder of the season and, upon exiting the program, the Blue Jackets made it known he could be traded.
After the offseason announcement, speculation about Laine's future swirled, and recent reports now link him with the Minnesota Wild. According to NHL Network analyst and former player Mike Rupp, the Wild could be a fit for Laine.
In a recent segment on NHL Network, Mike Rupp highlighted the Minnesota Wild as a potential destination for Laine.
If there's a team to kick the tires, I think Minnesota (makes sense) because they need that star power, NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp told The Athletic. They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers.
However, the fit isn't straightforward. The Wild currently lack the salary cap space to accommodate Laine's $8.7 million contract. Additionally, Laine's playing style may not align perfectly with Minnesota's team identity.
The problem I have with Laine is it depends on what kind of team you are. Everything that Minnesota has established themselves to be as far as their identity, working hard and lunch pail, he's not that. The thing that's kept Minnesota competitive is everybody's kind of pulling the same way and there's no freelancers. I think he would be a freelancer. It could work, but it could be really bad, too.
The potential trade will hinge on the Blue Jackets' demands and their willingness to retain part of Laine's salary. At his peak, Laine was a 40-goal, 70-point player with the Winnipeg Jets.
If a team can restore that version of Laine, it could be a worthwhile gamble. Otherwise, taking on his contract without that high-level performance might not be justifiable.
Source: TSN
Report: Wild could have interest in F Laine
Report: Wild could have interest in F Laine
Source: HockeyDB
Patrik Laine Stats
Patrik Laine Stats
| POLL | ||
10 AOUT | 95 ANSWERS Trade talks emerge linking the Minnesota Wild to Blue Jackets Patrik Laine Should the Minnesota Wild pursue a trade for Patrik Laine? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 57.9 % |
| No | 40 | 42.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
Latest 10 stories
