Could Patrik Laine make Colorado his new home?
Photo by André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images
It might be crazy, but could fill the needs of both teams. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has requested a trade out of Ohio, looking for a new team and a fresh start. It’s time to play the “what if” game: what if the Colorado Avalanche made a move for the Finnish forward?
Patrik Laine “wants a fresh start” and both sides are working on a trade, according to @PierreVLeBrun pic.twitter.com/1fAbaVm58C— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 12, 2024
This seems like blasphemy - Laine’s cap hit is $8.7 million for two more years, expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season. He also has a modified no-trade clause list, and the Avs would have to hope they’re not on it. It seems like a lot to handle.
But, a move between these two teams could benefit players looking for fresh starts. Valeri Nichushkin’s six-month suspension and $6.125 million cap hit would be hard to utilize heading into the season if you’re the Avalanche.
Colorado could try to trade contracts with Columbus and bring in another forward who can score when healthy. In a full 82-game season, Laine had a career-high 70 points in 2017-18 with the Winnipeg Jets. However, he has struggled since then and entered the NHL Players Assistance Program in January as well.
Patrik Laine forces a turnover, turns on the jets, and tallies on the breakaway to break the ice for Columbus!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/v6WMEdX6aT— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 30, 2023
Both players might be looking for new teams and fresh starts. It could be possible, but a lot must be done to reach that point. This would likely not be a one-for-one trade, and Colorado would likely want Columbus to retain some salary. Plus, the Avs might have to meet some league requirements if they do trade Nichushkin.
The Blue Jackets might not be fans of trading for a player who won’t be available until November at the earliest and will also be looking for more out of the deal. This would likely be in the form of young prospects and/or draft picks, neither of which the Avs have many of.
But if any trio can make a deal work, it’s Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland making moves with his former team. With plenty of parameters for both sides, it’ll be a tough task, but it could be something the Avs can at least inquire and explore.
Would you be interested in this move if it works out for Colorado? Let us know in the comments below!
Patrik Laine is reportedly seeking a fresh start. The sniping winger has scored at a 34 goal pace in the past three seasons. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/aqFDOHmhPb— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 12, 2024
...
Want the trending hockey news in your inbox daily?.
Just add your email, and we'll start sending you the most important hockey news of the day.
