Patrik Laine NHL trade market about to heat up

On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets were reportedly informed that Patrik Laine had been officially released from the NHL and NHLPA Player Assistance Program. The 26-year-old winger entered the program in January for mental health reasons.

Laine has been a fixture in the rumor mill since a report in early June indicated he and the Blue Jackets had agreed to seek a trade. He'd struggled over the last three seasons in Columbus and wanted a fresh start with another club.

According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, the Blue Jackets could trade Laine while he was in the program, but interested clubs wanted to speak with him first. However, neither the Jackets nor any other club could talk directly to Laine while he was in the program. The winger is also still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered last season.

Nevertheless, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said there were clubs still willing to look at acquiring Laine. Now that he's been cleared from the program, Portzline expects those trade discussions to heat up.

Laine's contract remains a sticking point. He has two years remaining on his deal, with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Portzline noted that Waddell has said he'd like to make a hockey trade in which the Blue Jackets acquire a roster player as part of the return without retaining any of Laine's salary. That could be difficult to do, given that many teams used up most of their cap space, adding to their rosters earlier in the off-season.

Portzline also speculated the Jackets might instead accept a return of draft picks and prospects due to their off-season acquisitions. He also felt they would have to retain some salary to facilitate a trade.

As for possible trade partners, Portzline suggested the Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes as the more likely destinations. He also thinks the Montreal Canadiens have an outside shot.

The Hockey News' Sammi Silber suggested it could be a worthwhile gamble for the Washington Capitals for the right price, and Stefen Rosner thinks the New York Islanders may be among the interested parties. Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski felt he'd be a good fit with the Penguins.