NHL Rumors: Analyst deems $34.8M Patrik Laine good fit for struggling ex-Metro Stanley Cup champs

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has requested a summer trade and wants a fresh start elsewhere in the league. The Pittsburgh Penguins can be an ideal destination for Laine, according to NHL analyst Dan Kingerski.

Kingerski believes that the Penguins need a skilled goal-scorer like Patrik Laine. He mentioned that the team is aiming to be strong contenders in the playoffs but does not want to deplete their resources in the process.

Laine has a no-trade list that includes 10 teams, likely excluding Pittsburgh. The forward had signed a four-year, $34,800,000 contract with the Blue Jackets back in 2022. Columbus has already paid $2 million of Laine's signing bonus, leaving $16.2 million of his salary over the next two seasons for the new team to cover, which could deter many teams.

Discussing Laine’s aging factors and his on-ice skillset, Dan Kingerski claimed that the player can still be a solid asset to any team that acquires him.

“It’s been a few years, but Laine, 26, has 40-goal seasons on his resume, as well as a stick-bending wrister that whistles past goaltenders,” Kingerski wrote. [Pittsburgh Hockey Now]

The Blue Jackets, however, want a decent return for Laine, but due to their ‘smaller market’, their expectations should be realistic. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins need to balance their finances to make a deal for Patrik Laine possible.

Reflecting on past trade negotiations, particularly the Jake Guentzel trade, Kingerski mentioned that there is a history between Kyle Dubas and Don Waddell. Dubas might offer a second-round pick or a mid-level prospect to make the trade appealing and Columbus might have to accept a less-than-ideal offer, according to the analyst.

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Blue Jackets GM Don Wadell opens up on possible Patrik Laine trade

The air around Patrik Laine’s possible move away from Columbus has remained clouded for quite some time. Earlier, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell informed Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch that just one team had shown interest in discussing a trade for the former star sniper.

However, Waddell did not disclose the name of the team. Hedger also reported that the general manager is not concerned about the slow progress in trade discussions.

"At this time of the year, people are less responsive. So, I don't really know. I think it's going to play out for a while," Waddell said.

Liane’s current contract lasts until the end of the 2025-26 season. He is expected to make a base salary worth $8,700,000 in 2024-25.