The Columbus Blue Jackets have been working to complete a Patrik Laine transfer for some time, but nothing has materialized so far. While a recent report listed the Minnesota Wild as a possible team that will likely try to sign Laine, there have been rumors of a potential transfer between the two teams. The same report mentioned that the Blue Jackets would not keep half of his salary, but would be willing to keep a portion of it if it resulted in a deal. While there is no indication of what the Blue Jackets have asked for in return for Laine, it is clear that they would rather make a hockey transfer that gives them back a player who can improve their depth and is someone who plays every night. Let’s look at a potential blockbuster deal between the two teams.
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Laine has an $8.7 million salary cap hit that teams may be hesitant to take on in full. The recent report from TSN mentioning the connection between Laine and the Wild revealed that Blue Jackets general manager (GM) Don Waddell would rather not keep 50% of the contract, but is willing to keep a portion of it to maximize returns. In theory, it could make the trade a little easier if the Blue Jackets kept 33% of Laine’s contract and lowered his salary cap hit to $5.8 million, but it could still prove difficult to get a massive return. Waddell also mentioned that in exchange for Laine, he would like a player who can help them every night, even if it’s a backup player, which makes it clear why a deal hasn’t been done yet.
Laine’s value is high, but his contract is worrying
Despite his defensive flaws, Laine has always been viewed as someone who can perform well on offense. His offensive production has proven valuable during his time with the Blue Jackets. However, he was also a solid addition to the Winnipeg Jets’ lineup before being traded. While he would be a solid addition to the Wild and could take some offensive duties off their superstars, his contract is concerning due to his fit with the Wild. Some fans and analysts have questioned whether Laine would fit into the Wild’s system, as they are known as a tough, combative, and structured team that plays nightly.
When looking at what a potential deal could look like assuming the Blue Jackets keep a portion of Laine’s salary, it’s hard to imagine what a full deal could look like. Still, a trade between the two could happen that includes Marco Rossi as well as a mid-round draft pick, but it would likely take a third team to retain additional salary or the Blue Jackets to retain half of his contract. I don’t think Laine would be able to bring back a huge amount of consideration with a young player and a high draft pick, but the two sides could probably agree on as evenly matched hockey trade as possible.
Now, Laine is a wild card and needs a fresh start. While the Wild could be a good place for him to help a team on the brink of the playoffs make a late playoff run, he is not the best option for them. He could still be a solid addition, but only if the Wild use him properly and don’t overpay for him. Ultimately, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Laine is traded. While we won’t know where he’ll be traded for a while, the Wild now seem to be the favorites.
