Major development regarding the Rangers acquiring Patrik Laine

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Joshua Deeds
July 26, 2024 (7:34 PM)

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Major developments have occurred in the Patrik Laine saga, as he has been released from the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance program.

This means, trade talks can develop between the Columbus Blue Jackets, Patrik Laine's camp, and his possible next team.

Could GM Chris Drury and the New York Rangers be involved in this?

Drury and the Rangers staff can directly speak to Laine in regards to making a trade for the former 40-goal scorer and sniper.

Earlier in the year, Aaron Portzline reported that since he was in the NHLPA Players Assistance Program, interested teams could discuss deals with the forward.

But that changes now:

«He is still in the NHL player's assistance program. He can be traded while he is in it, but the teams interested in acquiring him and the Blue Jackets would like to talk to him, but until he is cleared from the program they are unable to speak with him. He is close to being cleared, but until that happens, I don't see a trade occurring.»

Several NHL contenders have been mentioned as a spot for Laine to sign with including the teams on the verge of rebuilding such as the: Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins, who are vying for the 2016 1st round picks talents.

Laine has a 10-team NTC and has two years left on his $8.7 M AAV deal which any team who makes the deal with the Blue Jackets will have to consider.

Laine only played 18 games and scored 9 points last season with the Blue Jackets due to a broken clavicle and was sidelined for 9 games with a concussion prior to his latest injury issues.

It looks like Laine could get his fresh start soon.

Source: Hockey Feed
Major trade development regarding Patrik Laine