Major trade news surfaces concerning the New York Rangers and Patrik Laine
Patrik Laine's requested a fresh start, months after taking part in the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance program.
GM Don Waddell and the team has made it a priority to work with Laine and his agent to find him a new home.
But due to Laine's current enrollment in the Players Assistance Program, that gives the trade, a little bit more complexity than Waddell considered, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN.
However, According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, as of June 30th, the club hasn't been informed whether Laine has exited the program or not yet. This offers challenges, as teams would need Laine out of the program to begin discussions regarding the move, term, and contract details.
Despite all of this TSN's Craig Button suggest that there are several NHL teams interested in the wingers service.
Teams such as the Minnesota Wild, and Seattle Kraken have been floated, but what of the Rangers? Laine could benefit from Mika Zibanejad's skillset as a playmaking center, which he lacked in Columbus.
Ultimately, his two-year $8.7 Million cap hit offers some difficulties to fit him under the cap, but GM Chris Drury would get innovative and find a way for another NHL team to retain some money, if not the Blue Jackets themselves.
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For any trade to occur, Laine first needs to exit the Players Assistance Program before teams discuss money and term, of which could deter multiple teams from completing the trade.
Until then, all we have to operate on is speculation.
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