Patrik Laine Trade Talks Getting Serious For Jets

When asked if Patrik Laine might actually be traded and if the buzz surround the forward was serious, Darren Dreger responded, “Absolutely they’re serious, I mean Patrik Laine’s name on the trade bait board isn’t just eye candy or speculative.” That’s an interesting development because, until recently, talk of moving Laine seemed to be more tossing around the idea than anything else.

Related: NHL Insider Talks Reasons For Issues Between Laine and Jets

Dreger and Pierre LeBrun both took some time on the recent Insider Trading video to discuss what trading Laine might look like and if any teams were actually in the running.

Dreger noted:

“The Winnipeg Jets know what their needs are. They need a #2 centrer and they need to bolster the top four on their blueline and Kevin Cheveldayoff the GM can’t solely rely on free agency.

Dreger added, that what has been curious about the Laine news is that while everyone in the NHL can recognize that he is a star winger capable of scoring 50 goals, there isn’t a lot of action when it comes to trade talks. Teams aren’t exactly lining up to inquire about his availability and Dreger wonders if that inaction stems from every other team’s concern about the economics of the league and their respective teams moving forward.

Who Might Be Interested in Laine?

Pierre LeBrun added that one team that has interest in Laine at some level is the Columbus Blue Jackets. He notes they have ample salary cap room and are looking to replace Artemi Panarin, who they never replaced when he left. GM Jarmo Kekalainnen isn’t afraid to make moves, but he’s also stingy with his money. He’s not about to throw it away if he doesn’t believe Laine is a difference maker or is going to be a handful when it comes time to work out an extension.

LeBrun also noted that the Carolina Hurricanes were interested but that didn’t seem to go very far. He also noted the Montreal Canadiens name might have been connected to all of this but the Habs are not expected to be big players or enter the Laine sweepstakes.

Next: Patric Hornqvist Traded Officially, Panthers Add Sceviour to Deal