As per Emily Kaplan of ESPN.com, “Shut down the Patrik Laine trade rumors. It doesn’t seem like the Finnish sniper is going anywhere before March 21.” While Laine wasn’t at the top trade bait of the list for most insiders, there was some uncertainty as to if the Columbus Blue Jackets would hang on to the sniper, or if they’d try to move him, thinking he wasn’t part of the team’s long-term plans.
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Kaplan adds, “He finally is looking like his most dangerous self again for Columbus, a team playing extremely hard, trying to sneak into the playoffs.” If they can do so, it’s clear the club won’t want to move one of their most effective offensive weapons. Even if they don’t sneak in, it doesn’t sound like the Blue Jackets will move Laine.
The Blue Jackets forward more likely to move is Alexandre Texier, whose value is reportedly at an all-time high.
What About an Extension for Laine?
When it comes to a new contract, Kaplan says the Blue Jackets are certainly looking at that option but neither side is in a real rush. She writes, “The Blue Jackets likely have not approached Laine with any meaningful contract talks yet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t see a future with him.”
Part of the reason is that the club has shown patience with some personal issues Laine has been dealing with and there is no good reason to change things up now that he’s back and playing well. She adds:
“This is something that is expected to be resolved over the summer; the team seems happy with what it has seen from Laine — who struggled to begin the season, mourning the death of his father while dealing with an abdominal injury — and is expected to have talks with him to find a solution for a new deal, though there doesn’t seem to be a rush right now.”
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