Huge trade development regarding Patrik Laine

Last month, it was confirmed that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine were mutually working together to trade the forward. Laine’s agent approached the Blue Jackets about a move both sides are gonna work together to try and get that done as Laine, who missed the end of the 2023-24 season after he entered the player assistance program on Jan. 28, wants a fresh start.

But that’s the thing : he can’t get one until he leaves the program. That what team insider Aaron Portzline of The Athletic revealed to Jason Gregor on Thursday when asked about any development in a Laine trade.

“He is still in the NHL player’s assistance program. He can be traded while he is in it, but the teams interested in acquiring him and the Blue Jackets would like to talk to him, but until he is cleared from the program they are unable to speak with him. He is close to being cleared, but until that happens, I don’t see a trade occurring.”

Several contenders have been mentioned as possible landing spot for the former second overall pick in 2016, including the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens,Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks. However, Laine remains in the program and would need to consider his recovery and well-ness in his next destination. Laine is working with the Blue Jackets since he has a 10-team no-trade list on the two years he has left on his contract with an $8.7-million cap hit.

In just the 18 games he played with Columbus this past season, Laine recorded six goals and nine points. He was sidelined for nine contests due to a concussion in October before sustaining a broken clavicle on Dec. 14 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. But we know he has tons of potential and several suitors.

Laine is now looking to join his third NHL team since he was selected second overall by the Jets in the 2016 Entry Draft. Where will it be once he clears the NHL / NHLPA assistance program?