Patrik Laine has asked to be traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and one trade scenario suggests he could be heading to the New York Rangers. The Rangers, one of the NHL’s top teams, might be just a few moves away from a Stanley Cup win. A user on PuckPedia’s new PuckGM tool proposed a trade where the Rangers would acquire Laine in exchange for Kaapo Kakko and a 2025 first-round pick. In this scenario, Columbus would retain $4.4 million of Laine’s $8.7 million contract. Laine, who has two years left on his four-year $34.8 million deal, had a challenging season last year due to injuries, scoring 9 points in 18 games. Meanwhile, Kakko, a former second-overall pick, could benefit from a change of scenery after struggling to find success with the Rangers. Columbus would receive Kakko and a first-round pick, which would be the centerpiece of the trade.
Laine has been granted permission to discuss opportunities with other teams, though Columbus’ general manager, Don Waddell, mentioned that no satisfactory deals have emerged yet. Waddell confirmed that they are open to exploring potential trades but emphasized that any deal must be mutually agreeable. Laine, drafted second overall in 2016, remains in discussions with various teams as he seeks a new destination. Kakko, drafted second overall in 2019, has expressed frustration with his limited role with the Rangers, especially after being benched during parts of the season and playoffs. He has recorded 117 points in 300 regular-season games.
Leave a Reply