Winnipeg Jets: Patrik Laine trade rumors from smoke to fire this offseason
Anthony Scultore
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At the beginning of the month, TSN released their Trade Bait List. While scanning the list I almost fell out of my chair when the name, Patrik Laine appeared at number five.
Patrik Laine Trade Rumors – the TSN Trade Bait List
Frank Seravalli who authored the list was on radio soon after. He explained why the Winnipeg Jets may trade Patrik Laine to fill some huge holes. He cited that they need to get a legit #2 center and a top pair defenseman.
According to Seravalli he thinks that Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers makes the most sense to get that package. The 22 year-old already has a 40 goal campaign under his belt and his current deal will expire at the end of next season. Another thought is that Laine will be an RFA next summer and will command at least $9 million a season. He would also be a prime candidate for an offer sheet.
Patrik Laine trade rumors and where there’s smoke…
My initial reaction was that there is just no way Winnipeg will do this, but over the last two weeks the smoke started to build. Almost every insider from Darren Dreger and Pierre Lebrun touched on the subject.
So when it comes down to it, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff knows that Winnipeg isn’t a top UFA destination. He is pragmatic and will need to improve his team via trade and that why Laine is the chip to get it done.
Patrik Laine trade rumors are now a three alarm fire
The smoke on Laine is now a three alarm fire. Insiders are now starting to name teams and the Columbus Blue Jackets are coming in at the top of the list. My destination is the Montreal Canadiens who have RFA center Max Domi and defense to spare to land Laine.
On a brand new podcast, I spoke with NHL Insider John Shannon who absolutely believes he will be traded. “I’m not surprised Laine’s name has been discussed,” Shannon said. “To me this just makes sense and I do see him getting traded.”
So here we are and Laine is likely to be moved. It started as smoke at the beginning of the month and by the time we reach the draft it will be 5 alarm fire.