Patrik Laine’s potential trade gets accidentally leaked by Blue Jackets!

Ever since it was announced that Patrik Laine has been officially cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, it feels like we are getting closer to seeing the trigger get pulled on a trade. And now that new Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell accidentally opened his mouth on the subject, it feels like we’re closer than ever.
That’s because on Thursday, Waddell stated a trade was imminent and all signs points to Laine.

When endorsing Eric Tulsky to be his former team, the Carolina Hurricanes’, general manager, Waddell spoke about a trade being in the works and accidentally leaked this:

“Eric’s the brains,” Waddell said. “He’s way smarter than I’ll ever dream about being. … I have no doubt he’ll do a great job. We’re trying to make a trade right now, so…”

There have been a ton of rumors involving Laine over the last few weeks, but with interested teams now able to speak directly with the Finnish forward before a deal can be made, it feels like things are in motion.

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, and could be interested in landing with a top contender like the Hurricanes. He has also been linked to the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Details will follow as soon as we are made aware of the player involved and what the return is, but it sure feels like a trade between Columbus and Carolina will be confirmed soon.