Blockbuster trade brewing between Columbus and Carolina?

The Columbus Blue Jackets appear set to part ways with Finnish forward Patrik Laine, who spent a good deal of last season in the NHL Player Assistance Program and remains so. 

Right now, Columbus is not allowed to have contact with Laine until he finishes the program, something that potential suitors would like to have before a deal is made. According to new Jackets general manager Don Waddell, Laine will be free to speak with other team's upon his exit from the program. 

"Teams keep checking in to see if there’s anything new,” Waddell said. “I tell them, ‘You guys have to be comfortable with [Laine], and I can’t help you.’ I don’t know the player personally. I’m not one to try and trick people either, so [we] made him available to chat [when he’s cleared].”

In the meantime, could Laine find himself on the move to the Metropolitan Division? According to NHL Trade Rumors, the Carolina Hurricanes have shown interest in trading for him, and could offer Martin Necas in return: 

"The rumored trade package would see the Hurricanes send forward Martin Necas to Columbus. Necas, a former 12th overall pick, possesses immense potential with his speed and playmaking abilities. However, he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in Carolina, making him an expendable asset in a potential blockbuster deal."

Carolina, who has been one of the most consistent regular season teams in the NHL since 2018-19, is looking for the missing puzzle piece that will finally put them over the top and help them reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006. 

Laine, who was originally selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets (one pick after the Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews), has appeared in only 18 games last season, scoring six goals with three assists. He's under contract for two more years with an AAV of $8.7 million. 

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