Transaction: Veteran NHL forward officially hits the trade market

According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun the Columbus Blue Jackets will be shopping one of their top forwards out of town.

It is reported that Patrik Laine wants a change of scenery after his time in Columbus and who could blame him?

Laine is currently in the player's assistance program and has experienced bullying at one point from a podcast in Columbus, telling the superstar winger to commit a horrific act of harm upon himself.

"After careful consideration and discussion with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being," Laine said on Instagram at the time (h/t Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press). "Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself."

Needless to say, there's a chance his own issues compounded and now, Laine apparently wants out, as Don Waddell takes the reigns in Columbus.

Laine would have to waive his NTC In order to be traded to New York if they're not one of Laine's preferred destinations.

His current cap hit isn't registering on the Blue Jackets cap as Laine's cap hit doesn't count against the regular roster while receiving care in the program.

This could be a great way for the Rangers to use a neat cap trick to find talent and acquire Laine, while not negatively affecting the cap.

His regular cap hit totals $8.7 Million AAV and expires in 2026-2027, which he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022.

He only played 18 games with the Blue Jackets this season, scoring 9 points( 6 G, 3 A) but was a legitimate 50+ point player in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 with the team.

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12 JUIN \| 297 ANSWERS Transaction: Veteran NHL forward officially hits the trade market Should Chris Drury trade for Patrik Laine?
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