Nothing has occurred regarding transactions since Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine requested a trade. Could the Penguins ignite the process?
On June 21, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette proposed that the Pittsburgh Penguins should seize the opportunity and trade for Laine while he is still on the market.
“On the trade market, there is one big-name winger with a powerful shot and a significant cap hit that could make sense for the Penguins,” Vensel wrote. “Patrik Laine.”
Vensel highlighted Laine’s recent struggles in Columbus, leading to his trade request, and emphasized the inherent risks in trading for the Blue Jackets winger.
“Laine has been benched by two different coaches in Columbus, his scoring stats have declined since his Winnipeg days, and he is coming off the most challenging season of his career,” Vensel wrote. “His switch to center predictably failed, he was made a healthy scratch by then-coach Pascal Vincent, and he later took leave for mental health reasons. He scored just nine points in 18 games with a minus-10 rating, last playing on December 14.”
Despite this, Vensel noted the Penguins could benefit from Laine’s current low trade value. Given his struggles, it’s reasonable to assume he could be acquired for a low-value trade package.
“The Penguins could capitalize on a very skilled player whose trade value could not be lower,” he said.
Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine Looking for a Fresh Start
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported on June 12 that both parties are interested in a trade and a fresh start.
“My understanding is that the Columbus Blue Jackets plan to work with Patrik Laine’s camp to find the star winger a fresh start with a new team,” LeBrun wrote.
The Blue Jackets acquired Laine in 2021 from the Winnipeg Jets. Laine has scored only 64 goals (138 points) in 174 games with the Blue Jackets compared to 140 goals (250 points) in 306 games with the Jets, including a 44-goal season in 2017-18. He has not surpassed 30 goals since then.
Laine appeared in only 18 games with the Blue Jackets in 2024 before entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. He also fractured his left clavicle earlier in the season.
“Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself,” Laine posted on Instagram at the time, as reported by Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press on January 29.
Laine has two years left on his $34.8 million contract with an $8.7 million cap hit. His contract includes a 10-team no-trade list, but he is expected to waive it to facilitate a move.
Penguins’ Fit and Need for Patrik Laine
The Penguins could benefit from acquiring Laine. Pittsburgh needs younger, skilled players to help Sidney Crosby contend during the final years of his legendary career in Pittsburgh.
Vensel proposed an interesting idea involving Reilly Smith.
“Smith was brought over from the Vegas Golden Knights after winning a Stanley Cup in 2023, but he struggled with his new team,” Vensel wrote. “The 33-year-old recorded 13 goals and 40 points in 76 games.”
The Penguins acquired Smith’s three-year contract from Vegas, which includes a $5 million cap hit and expires at the end of the 2024-25 season.
“Wouldn’t a Smith-for-Laine swap appeal to both of these Metro rivals?” Vensel suggested. “The Blue Jackets get salary relief and could likely trade Smith to another team.
“And the Penguins, without giving up a high pick or one of their better prospects, take a chance on Laine, once a 40-goal scorer and feared power-play finisher.”
If not Laine, the Penguins might end up signing a free agent to fill their wings and feed Crosby pucks come July 1. Of particular interest is the report shared by Josh Yohe of The Athletic on June 20.
“Guentzel isn’t returning to Raleigh. Is there a chance he could return to Pittsburgh?” Yohe quoted a source close to the Carolina Hurricanes pending free agent. “The verdict: Guentzel would love to return to Pittsburgh, and there’s a chance it happens—but only a small chance.”
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