If the Blue Jackets trade Laine, they need immediate roster help

Credit: Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has quickly become a prime trade candidate this offseason. Reports surfaced earlier this week that a change of scenery has been requested by Laine and his representatives and there’s mutual interest from Blue Jackets freshly minted general manager Don Waddell to find a resolution this summer.

Laine landed on Frank Seravalli’s latest trade target list, rounding out the top-5 candidates for the 2024 offseason. The Finnish forward has two seasons left on his contract at $8.7 million average annual value and owns a 10-team no-trade clause. Laine has spent parts of the last four seasons with the Blue Jackets and has been enrolled in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program since January.

Laine appeared in just 18 games last season, recording six goals and nine points, and although there’s certainly some risk involved acquiring Laine, nobody can deny he’s still a game breaker. He scored at a 30-goal pace the previous two seasons in Columbus and has a 44-goal season under his belt as a member of the Winnipeg Jets.

A change of scenery could do wonders for Laine and when the Blue Jackets finally decide to pull the trigger on a deal, it will be very interesting to see what kind of return Waddell can secure.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff Live, Tyler Yaremchuk and Seravalli discussed what the future could hold for Laine and the Blue Jackets:

Tyler Yaremchuk: What kind of return, more on the futures side or on a one-for-one, find another similar situation?

Frank Seravalli: I don’t think the Blue Jackets are looking futures. I think they’ve got enough top-end prospects, they’ve got another top-five pick this year. Don Waddell has been really clear saying there’s going to be six new faces with the Blue Jackets next season, at least. I’m guessing that these are going to be roster pieces for this year and now.

For more on Laine, Blue Jackets trade watch, and everything you need to be prepared for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, join Frank and Tyler for the full episode here: