"Going to play out for a while": Blue Jackets GM foresees lull in interest for Patrik Laine with 'only one team' in the mix

As the NHL enters August, interest in trading for Patrik Laine has slowed down. Despite many rumors about his potential destinations, actual trade talks have been minimal. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said only one team has shown real interest in Laine.

"Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell told Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch that only a single team has actually reached out to him with interest in talking trade about the former star sniper", as per Columbus Dispatch, as quoted by NHL Trade Rumors.

Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reported that Waddell is not worried about the slow progress.

"At this time of the year, people are less responsive. So, I don’t really know. I think it’s going to play out for a while," Waddell said.

Waddell explained that responses are typically slower in the summer, and he does not expect trade talks to pick up soon.

Laine, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, had a tough season in Columbus. He started slowly and was a healthy scratch at one point, which he called the most embarrassing moment of his career. After this, he spent six months in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Although he is now cleared to return, trade discussions have not increased.

Waddell has stated he will not trade Laine unless he gets a significant return. Despite Laine's struggles last season, playing only 18 games and scoring nine points, he has had impressive performances in the past.

Patrik Laine had point-per-game seasons and over 20 goals in each of those seasons with the Blue Jackets. Given his $8.7 million cap hit for the next two seasons, other teams might be interested, but the Blue Jackets may need to retain some salary to make a deal.

Patrik Laine wants a fresh start

On July 26, 2024, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that Patrik Laine was cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program. Laine entered the program in January while recovering from a clavicle fracture.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed that trade discussions involving Laine would resume. Laine requested a trade before the summer changes. Waddell stressed the need for a suitable trade. He acknowledged Laine's desire for a fresh start but noted he might stay if no favorable deal is found.

"Patrik's made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer," Waddell said via (First Up on TSN 1050). "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."

Last season, Patrik Laine played 18 games, scoring six goals and nine points.