Patrik Laine has officially been cleared from the NHLPA’s Player’s Assistance Program, and with that, has found himself back in trade discussions. With these discussions, I’ve put together a short list of five possible destinations for the 26-year-old forward.
1. Washington Capitals
Something about the Washington Capitals just feels right to me. I imagine it has to do with Laine once being described as the “next-Ovechkin” after he was drafted, and part of me feels like the greatest goal-scorer of all time would be able to help Laine get his mojo back. I also feel having two unbelievable shooters on the same team could pose as a major threat for opposing teams.
2. Winnipeg Jets
Now I know what you’re thinking, this is just silly. But let me reassure you here, it’s not. Recent reports from Mike McIntyre have stated that Laine still holds Winnipeg in extremely high regard since being dealt to Columbus. The Jets have the necessary pieces to get something like this done such as a total “fan favourite” in Rutger McGroarty. Now I know a deal would require some more pieces on both ends, but the frame work is there. Laine had his best seasons in Winnipeg and I believe with the new coaching staff, new leadership group and the passionate fanbase, Laine can replicate those years if he ends up back there.
3. Montreal Canadiens
This is another destination that just feels right to me. I feel like Martin St. Louis would be an excellent influence for Laine. I also imagined in my head a powerplay line with with the likes of Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Laine and it just sounds dominant. You could even have Laine running the second powerplay unit for an extra threat. Having two solidified scoring options (Laine and Caufield) on your powerplay sounds like a recipe for success. I also feel like Kent Hughes has the necessary pieces to get this deal done.
4. Utah Hockey Club
When I was coming up with this list, Utah Hockey Club kept coming across my mind. When it came down to it, I imagined him playing alongside two elite playmakers in Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller. Having Laine on that roster would leave them with multiple different scoring threats and could lead to a lot of success for Utah Hockey Club. Having Laine on the power-play as a primary scoring option sounds like a perfect recipe for him replicating his 40 goal season.
5. Chicago Blackhawks
I’m sure you’re thinking, why Chicago? Well let me hit you with two words, Connor Bedard. Imagine a player like Patrik Laine who still has loads of potential playing alongside a generational player like Connor Bedard on the first line unit and first powerplay unit. That absolutely screams 40-50 goal season for Laine. Having him and Bedard as the primary scoring options has the potential to be an absolute nightmare for opposing teams. Chicago has plenty of cap space and the assets to make this happen. If I’m the Blackhawks, I’m pushing to make this happen.
Patrik Laine still has potential to be elite. He is a former 40 goal scorer and has recorded 117 points in 129 points. He was still a point per game two years ago while battling injuries and tough personal issues.
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