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Could the Chicago Blackhawks provide Patrik Laine with a fresh start?

Columbus is working to trade the former second overall pick

By Ethan Gawronski |
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes / Jaylynn Nash/GettyImages
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The NHL offseason has unofficially begun for all teams not named the Florida Panthers or Edmonton Oilers, which means trade talks are heating up.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun broke the news late Wednesday (June 12th) afternoon that the Columbus Blue Jackets are working to trade the former 2016 second-overall pick Patrik Laine.

Laine, 26, is coming off an injury-riddled season where he only played in 18 games, tallying 6 goals and 9 points. His time in Columbus has always left fans wanting to see more, especially after the promising start to his career that he had in Winnipeg.

After being traded to Columbus from the Winnipeg Jets along with forward Jack Roslovic in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois during the 2020-21 season, Laine's expectations were sky-high as one of the more promising young goal scorers in the NHL. He was coming off a 28-goal, 63-point campaign in 68 games as a 21-year-old, and was two years removed from a 44-goal season.

Laine's start in Columbus was met with controversy regarding an interaction with former Blue Jackets, and current Philadelphia Flyers, coach John Tortorella. The newly acquired Laine was benched after an altercation with a coach while on the bench. Many believed it was because of a missed play in the defensive zone by Laine, but it later came out that the reason was an "off-ice altercation".

Tortorella was let go by Columbus after the 2021-21 season, leaving Brad Larsen as the new head coach. Laine's production was more consistent under Larsen with 108 points in 111 games, though the injuries continued with the Finnish winger playing less than 60 games in each season.

Going into the 2023-24 season, the Blue Jackets yet again had a new head coach in Pascal Vincent. This new coaching style saw an experiment where Laine was playing center instead of wing, and early returns were not positive.

The experiment did not last very long, as Laine battled injuries before entering the NHL Player Assistance Program, in January,

It is safe to say Laine's time in Columbus will be remembered more for the headlines rather than his play, which was good when he was able to play. With the report that Columbus is looking to give him a fresh start, it will be interesting to see who the suitors are.

Here is what the Blackhawks could get if they decide to target Patrik Laine.

Could Laine be a fit?

If the Blackhawks are looking at acquiring Patrik Laine, the reaction from fans will likely be torn.

Laine is 26 years old and has two years left on his contract at $8.7 million per season. His talent, when healthy, is that of a high-end goal scorer whose one-timer is a threat on the powerplay. Standing at 6 foot 5 inches and 216 points, Laine brings size and natural goal scoring that is lacking in the Blackhawks lineup.

His consistency began to fluctuate more during the tail-end of his time in Winnipeg, but was able to round out his offensive game more in Columbus under Brad Larsen.

Laine's biggest flaw is his defensive game, which was discussed more heavily during his time in Columbus. His short stint at the center position showed that his defensive instincts and footspeed were not on par with that of a top-flight center. If a team wants the best version of Laine, he will play as a scoring winger.

Speed has never been the selling point of Laine's game, as is the case with many players his size. He does, however, have the hands to trick defenders and a lethal shot to compliment that. His skill level and offensive talent bordering on an elite level which make him an interesting addition if he can stay in the lineup.

The Blackhawks have a lot of young, playmaking, forward with a lot of speed which could work well with Laine as it gives him more opportunities to use his best asset, his shot.

Does Laine make sense for the Blackhawks?

When looking at the Blackhawks roster, they are in dire need of a goal scorer besides Connor Bedard. Jason Dickinson was the only other player to surpass twenty goals this season, and Laine brings that goal scoring ability.

His contract also fits the current timeline for a lot of players on the roster. Kyle Davidson extended Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Petr Mrazek all for the next two seasons, the same amount of years left on Laine's deal.

Over the next two years, the Blackhawks will likely be trying to hit the cap floor, and Laine's $8.7 million will help them do so without having the contract on the books long-term. The deal will end right when Bedard, Korchinski, and Nazar are due for their first contracts, and Laine could get an extension if he finds his footing in Chicago.

Laine would likely not cost the Blackhawks a ton of assets because of the leverage they would have in the trade market. They have the cap space to afford a player like Laine, which would eliminate Columbus needing to retain salary, making this is low-risk high-reward kind of deal.

Adding a player like Patrik Laine would be met with some questions from Blackhawks fans, but he does check a lot of their boxes on paper. Questions aside, Laine is a high-end offensive talent who could be worth consideration from Kyle Davidson and his team. As the offseason approaches, time will tell where Patrik Laine ends up playing next season.

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