Patrik Laine trade: 3 reasons why teams might avoid Blue Jackets star

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has requested a trade from the team but nothing has come to fruition. Laine is a former second-overall pick and was supposed to be the face of the franchise for the Winnipeg Jets.

There are a couple of reasons why teams may not want to trade for Laine. Let's take a look at them.

3 reasons why teams might avoid trading for Patrik Laine

#1. Inconsistent play

Any team trading for Patrik Laine will have a hard time knowing what kind of players they are getting.

Laine has struggled to stay healthy and consistent, which is a problem for any team trading for him. Just last season, Laine skated in just 18 games and had six goals and three assists for nine points.

Laine's first three years were good, but since then he has struggled to stay consistent and be the 60-70 point player the franchise hoped for.

#2. Laine's contract

Patrik Laine has two years left on his deal, and he's set to make $8.7 million per year. This is a lot of money for any team to absorb, especially after the first wave of free agency, where teams handed out plenty of money to free agents.

If Columbus doesn't retain money on Laine's contract, several teams would likely not be interested in trading for the winger due to his cap hit.

#3. The acquisition cost

Due to his cap hit, injury history, and inconsistent play, many thought it wouldn't cost a lot to acquire Patrik Laine.

However, Columbus wants prospects and draft picks for Laine rather than NHL players or contracts, which makes it hard for a team to acquire him.

Trading multiple assets for Laine would be difficult for any team, especially if Columbus wants top prospects or high draft picks.

Regardless, if the asking price is indeed multiple assets, several teams wouldn't be interested in trading for Laine.