Transaction: Major turn of events in Patrik Laine being traded to the Bruins

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Joshua Deeds
August 18, 2024 (8:40)

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Don Waddell has been presented with a challenge in Columbus, as he was hired by the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes during the offseason.

He'd jump right into the dumpster fire of the Blue Jackets situation left by Pascal Vincent and Jarmo Kekaleinen. He's found a difficult situation, dealing with a trade request by Patrik Laine, after a lengthy stay in the NHL/NHLPA players assistance program.

He's said he's never been in this situation before, despite knowing for months that Laine wants out of Columbus.

This is a different situation than anything I've ever dealt with. I've had players that have requested trades, sometimes you trade them and sometimes you don't. I don't know Patrik, I wasn't here last year... There were things that went on in the locker room... He's been very vocal about it way before I got here that he did not want to play for the Blue Jackets...

This is different because it's harder to bring him back knowing the situation.

But despite the awkwardness of the situation, it sounds like if Waddell isn't happy with teams offer, Laine could return to the Blue Jackets locker-room this season.

"That might be the option," said Waddell. "Because we're into the summer, he's got a high cap hit ($8.7 million) for two years... I'm talking to teams every day. I've got two or three teams engaged right now, and we'll see where it goes. But at the end of the day, like I told his representation, 'I can try to do it, but if there's not a deal to be made, he's gonna have to come back here to camp and we'll welcome him back and try to make the best of the situation.'"

Laine was the 2nd overall pick in 2016 but has struggled to find his elite game in Columbus, after 3 1/2 seasons with the Jackets. He only played 18 games for the team, while scoring 9 points, and only played 55 and 56 games the past two seasons beforehand as well.

But even then, he was a point-per-game, player a production statistic many teams in the NHL would value.

Could the Bruins make an offer for Patrik Laine during the trade deadline, as a top-six option?

Who could the Bruins afford to give up to make the salary work?