Devils Should Trade for Patrik Laine
Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN’s Insider Trading that the Columbus Blue Jackets and forward Patrik Laine are seeking a fresh start for the player. Laine, a former second-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, ended his season after just 18 games due to a broken clavicle. Following his injury, Laine entered the NHL’s Player Assistance Program to address his mental health.
According to LeBrun, Laine is expected to be ready for the upcoming season after undergoing a shoulder procedure and being discharged from the program. At 26 years old, with nearly 500 NHL games over eight seasons, Laine seems poised to join his third team. If the price is right, the New Jersey Devils should consider making him Jack Hughes’ new left wing.
Laine is the Most Talented Player Available
If Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios is truthful about Brady Tkachuk’s unavailability, then Laine is arguably the most skilled player on the market this offseason. His talent is unquestionable. There was once a genuine debate about whether he should have been picked over Auston Matthews in the 2016 NHL Draft. Laine initially met expectations, scoring 138 goals in his first four seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. Since his trade to the Blue Jackets, injuries have limited his playtime, but his stats are better than they might seem, especially given Columbus’s poor power play performance. Despite these challenges, Laine scored 108 points in 111 games during his first two full seasons with the Blue Jackets, with only 30 points coming from power plays.
Laine is a pure goal scorer, averaging 0.43 goals per game. As an elite shooter who doesn’t require much space or deception to beat goalies, he resembles a younger, bigger Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli’s success on the Devils’ power play alongside Hughes suggests a potential synergy with Laine in New Jersey.
Devils Need a Right-Shot Top-Six Scorer
The Devils’ top six and power play are missing a right-shot sniper. Alexander Holtz has potential but hasn’t yet earned the team’s confidence. Laine could bring balance to a power play unit featuring Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Dougie Hamilton, instantly elevating the team’s talent level. Laine’s shooting prowess would create more opportunities for Hughes. At even strength, the Devils also need a pure right-shot goal scorer. If Holtz is moved for a goalie or other assets, Laine’s value increases.
Currently, Dawson Mercer is the only right-shot forward in the top six, but he’s more of a 200-foot player who scores around the net rather than a pure shooter like Laine. The Devils might also try Mercer at the 3C role under new head coach Sheldon Keefe, heightening the need for a right-shot forward. Toffoli’s success with Hughes shows that Hughes thrives with a proven scorer and doesn’t need a second playmaker.
Laine Comes With Risk
Columbus is honoring Laine’s desire for a fresh start as they reshape their roster. Such a talented player wouldn’t be available without significant reasons. For Columbus, those reasons include injuries, mental health issues, and new leadership wanting to make changes. GM Don Waddell, starting his tenure after a successful run with the Carolina Hurricanes, is likely looking to clear cap space and rebuild with the organization’s full support.
Laine has had injuries each season with Columbus, including a sprained ankle, fractured clavicle, and strained triceps, all causing significant missed time. He also suffered from an illegal hit by Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, leading to further missed games and Andersson’s suspension.
While recovering from his broken clavicle, Laine entered the NHL Player Assistance Program for mental health treatment and stayed through the season’s end. Despite rumors, teammates view him as a leader who works hard and prioritizes the team’s needs. There are successful precedents, such as Bill Masterton Trophy winner Connor Ingram, who overcame depression and OCD with the program’s help.
Can the Devils Afford Laine?
Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit is challenging without some offset. The simplest solution would be for the Blue Jackets to retain at least 25% of his salary. Alternatively, a third team could retain a portion of Laine’s salary in exchange for a draft pick or other asset. If the Devils could reduce Laine’s cap hit to under $5 million, it would fit their cap structure. Another option is trading players like Kevin Bahl and Nathan Bastian to offset part of Laine’s salary.
If the Devils acquire Laine for under $6 million annually, they could also afford a top goalie like Jacob Markstrom. While this would strain their finances, Laine’s potential reward justifies the risk. The Devils could fill the bottom-six roles with low-cost players and benefit from Laine’s two-year contract, which aligns with their financial planning.
What Does a Trade Package for Laine Look Like?
With Laine’s desire for a fresh start public, Columbus has lost leverage in trade negotiations. Salary retention could shift the balance. Columbus has a retention slot and might consider it with a sufficient sweetener. A Devils trade package could start with Bahl, whose size and partnership with Damon Severson would benefit the Blue Jackets. Bahl and Severson had the highest expected goal percentage (64.1%) among Devils defense pairs. Including draft picks and players like Bastian could also appeal to Columbus.
The Devils need to add experience and toughness to their defense, making Bahl expendable. Alternatively, trading Jonas Siegenthaler or John Marino could offset Laine’s salary, and they could be replaced by heavier players like Brendan Dillon or Brayden McNabb. Another option is using a third-party broker for double retention, similar to the Chris Tanev trade with the Dallas Stars. New Jersey has the assets to make the deal if Laine and the Blue Jackets are willing.
Laine and Columbus agree that a fresh start is best for both parties. It’s rare for a team to let go of a 40-goal scorer unless there are significant concerns. Despite these concerns, the Devils should explore acquiring Laine. He addresses multiple issues the team has faced for the past two seasons and provides a right-shot sniper for their top six and power play, completing the puzzle.
