Surprising asking price in a Patrik Laine trade revealed by Blue Jackets Insider

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Tom Banks
July 25, 2024 (8:35 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets seem intent on moving Patrik Laine, and now one reporter has revealed their surprisingly low asking price.

After two seasons where the team struggled, the Columbus Blue Jackets are clearly leaning into their youth, and with a new regime, it's become clear that the front office are looking to move on from Patrik Laine. That's difficult right now given that he remains in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, but new GM Don Waddell is ready to talk business when the time comes.

Now, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Blue Jackets asking price for Laine has been revealed, and it's a lot less than you would expect;

"Waddell is still hopeful it's not too late to find a trade partner for Patrik Laine, who asked the club for a change of scenery after a difficult last season in Columbus. Laine is still in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. While the Jackets can trade him while he's still in the program, neither they nor any other club can speak directly to Laine, and Waddell said all interested parties have asked to speak to Laine before putting together a trade package for him. «Teams keep checking in to see if there's anything new,» Waddell said. «I tell them, �You guys have to be comfortable with (Laine), and I can't help you.' I don't know the player personally. I'm not one to try and trick people either, so (we) made him available to chat (when he's cleared).»

The prime time to trade Laine � the NHL Draft and the start of free agency � have both passed, but Waddell remains hopeful. «There really aren't a lot of free agents out there,» he said. «If (teams) have the (salary) cap (space) today, they'll probably still have it tomorrow. I know there are teams that are still interested.»

It's unclear when Laine will be released from the Player Assistance Program, officially allowing the team to talk business, but when that happens, their focus is on draft picks and prospects as opposed to roster ready players like many expected. We will see if a deal gets done, but with training camp coming up in the coming weeks, it makes sense for a contending team to part ways with some future assets for a goal scoring machine in Laine.

Source: Hockey Feed
Report: Blue Jackets seriously lower their asking price on Patrik Laine