Boston Bruins: the price to pay to acquire Patrick Laine was just revealed

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Joshua Deeds
July 27, 2024 (8:58)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have revealed their asking price for winger Patrik Laine, who could be moved soon.

Laine would miss the majority of 2023-2024, due to a concussion and a broken clavicle. He'd only appear in 18 games, posting 9 points for the team. Following the injuries, checked into the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program.

It was only announced today that he'd been released and now, teams are free to ask in on Laine.

But what are the costs, that GM Don Sweeney might have to consider?

While the Blue Jackets are willing to retain salary to make the move easier, the Blue Jackets are looking to acquire picks and prospects for the sniper.

"Speaking with TSN 690 Montreal last week, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline discussed the type of return the Blue Jackets could seek for Laine. He believes they'd prefer draft picks and prospects rather than a roster player because of their off-season additions. Portzline also thinks they must retain part of his $8.7-million annual cap hit to facilitate a deal."

"The Hockey News' Jason Newland cited NHL.com's Dan Rosen speculating the Washington Capitals could be among the teams interested in Laine once he becomes available."

Laine's term left on his contract is only two years, with a $8.7 Million salary cap hit.

GM Don Waddell was interviewed recently on TSN and mentioned that Patrik Laine would like a fresh start elsewhere, out of Columbus. They won't rule out a return to Columbus, should a deal fail to manifest.

"Patrik's made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer, he would like a fresh start someplace. We will look at it when the time comes - which hopefully is very soon - all the options. Now, I can't rule out any options, even returning here because it takes two teams to make a trade and if there's not a trade that makes any sense to us, then we have to just deal with what reality is." Waddell said.

He added, "[Laine's agent] Andy Scott told him multiple times that we will make sure we look at everything and know the situation, and we know Patrik's feelings and we can find the right fit, certainly we will do that. But, if not, we'll have to just deal with it."

Laine, the native of Tampere, Finland would like to exit Columbus and clear his head of the past, where fans in Columbus made light of his mental health by joking about the winger committing S*ic*de.

Those who made the joke haven't been heard since, but the damage is done and undoubtedly has repercussions for the winger.

Source: Blade of Steel
Asking price for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been revealed