With two years remaining on his $8.7 million deal, Laine also has a 10-team modified no-trade clause. He has just exited the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after joining in January for a shoulder injury.
With $3.5 million in cap space, the Penguins would need to include one or more players to accommodate Laine's $8.7 million salary, or negotiate with Columbus to retain part of the salary. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has made it clear that any trade would need to benefit his team, indicating that Laine won't be traded without careful consideration.
Should Laine arrive and deliver a strong rebound performance, he would still be among the highest earners, yet he might depart after two seasons, leaving the Penguins short of the pieces they traded away.