Rumor: Patrik Laine to the Pittsburgh Penguins?

So, it would not be out of the realm of possibility to trade for a top six forward who wants out of his current situation in Columbus. In fact, the Penguins are in a position to do the same type of deal, shed some salary by trading unwanted or unneeded assets and grabbing a top talent.

The suddenly very available Patrik Laine can make that difference for the Penguins with the right guidance. He did not play much this season with his NHL players assistance program stint. In 18 games, he had 9 points and in the 174 games with Columbus over four seasons, just 64 goals.

Laine came from Winnepeg to Columbus where he was a 30 goal scorer in three seasons with the club. He has not been a threat in the NHL recently, but his shot is like few in the league. This week he and his agent discussed a fresh start somewhere else.

You can read more about Patrik Laine and his want for a fresh start on TSN in the link below:

Coming to the Penguins which is a good mid-market team without the fan fair and distractions of a big city market and a good fan base could benefit Laine. Having a veteran center who can dish the puck and allow him the time to make the play and score would also be ideal.

His trade value will not lower over time, he is 26 years old and is all upside. His lower numbers, missed time and waiting to trade out of Columbus help the Penguins with leverage.

Laine carries a $8.7 million salary over two more seasons. A trade would only hurt the Penguins short term if it does not work out. If it does work, the Penguins get a solid top six forward who is young and can bring life to a dismal power play.

So, if Dubas can leverage a deal with minimal lose of picks and say, Reilly Smith's contract, the Penguins could be looking to only add on $3.7 million. Now seems to be the opportunity for a buy low trade deal that could really help a veteran Penguins team.

As Read On: Pittsburgh Hockey Now -