There is hardly any risk for the Chicago Blackhawks if they trade for Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine is looking for a change of scenery and the Chicago Blackhawks have been rumored to be one of the teams that can provide it.

There is a portion of the Hawks fanbase that wants the team to pass on any potential deal.

Maybe it is because of his injury history. He has skated in 174 out of 328 games the past four seasons. There are also concerns about his overall game as Laine only seems interested in shooting the puck. Finally, there are mental health concerns, and in a macho sport like hockey, that can be perceived as a weakness--no matter how unfair and ridiculous that sounds.

This is the 21st century, and there is nothing wrong with getting help for mental health especially since injuries and crazy coaches have affected his production.

There are other reasons for not wanting Laine on the Blackhawks...

Here is the thing, the Blackhawks need guys that shoot the puck if the franchise hopes to turn around one of the worst offenses in the NHL.

Connor Bedard needs more goal scorers around him and the Hawks, despite their off-ice issues, seem like a prime environment to welcome in Laine. Plus, it is not like the Blackhawks' future is nothing but dark days from here on out.

Laine wanting to go to a contender is not going to be completely within his control. He has a limited no-movement clause. Laine can put the Blackhawks on that 10-team list because they have been a loser. At the same time, he can go to Chicago, play with Bedard, and rebuild his value in time to hit free agency when he is 28. Plus, the report is the Blue Jackets and his camp are working together to get him out of Columbus. If the Hawks make the best offer, maybe the Blue Jackets convince him to go there.

Do not be worried about his high cap hit, the Blackhawks have plenty of cap space to absorb it. The biggest reason to not be afraid of the Hawks possibly acquiring Laine is he will probably not cost too much to get.

Jay Zawaski and Greg Boysen of CHGO Blackhawks pointed out on a recent episode of their podcast that a second or third-round pick is probably the cost it will take to get Laine. The Hawks have a surplus of second-rounders to give up.

This is a classic low-risk, high-reward transaction.

As they pointed out, Laine is a great fit for the Hawks because they need more forwards that shoot the puck. Yes, there are injury concerns, but now is the time to take that risk rather than say two or three years from now when the team is ready to contend for the Stanley Cup.

If Laine works out, it is a bonus. If he flames out, it is a two-year flyer where the Hawks have buyout space on their books to get rid of him without even batting an eye. That is why maybe the hard-no camp should rethink its position.