Penguins to pursue blockbuster trade involving star forward before training camp

Rumors are mounting that general manager Kyle Dubas may be working on a major trade, possibly involving Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Patrik Laine.

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.

While Laine poses some risk due to his injury history and a subpar season in which he managed only six goals and three assists in 18 games, he remains one of the NHL's premier goal scorers. The prospect of Laine playing alongside Sidney Crosby is certainly enticing for Penguins fans.

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.

Possible trade candidates from the Penguins' side include Lars Eller, Noel Acciari, Rickard Rakell, Joel Blomqvist, and Owen Pickering.

After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2023-24 season, the Penguins could put Dubas' job at risk with another failure to reach the postseason in 2024-25.

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.

Source: NHL Trade Rumors
NHL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins talking blockbuster trade?