Could the Chicago Blackhawks Provide Patrik Laine with a Fresh Start?
With the NHL offseason underway for teams not in the playoffs, trade discussions are intensifying. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to trade Patrik Laine, the second-overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Laine, 26, had a difficult season plagued by injuries, limiting him to only 18 games where he scored 6 goals and accumulated 9 points. Fans in Columbus have long awaited the fulfillment of Laine’s potential, especially considering his impressive early career in Winnipeg.
Laine was traded to Columbus from the Winnipeg Jets, along with forward Jack Roslovic, in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois during the 2020-21 season. Expectations were high for Laine, a promising young goal scorer in the NHL. He had recently posted a 28-goal, 63-point season in 68 games at age 21 and was only two years removed from a 44-goal season.
However, Laine’s time in Columbus has been rocky. Early on, he faced controversy under former Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella, now with the Philadelphia Flyers. Laine was notably benched following an altercation with a coach, initially believed to be due to a missed defensive play but later revealed to be an “off-ice altercation.”
Tortorella’s departure after the 2020-21 season brought Brad Larsen as the new head coach. Under Larsen, Laine’s performance was more consistent, amassing 108 points in 111 games, but injuries continued to be a problem, preventing him from playing more than 60 games each season.
As the Blue Jackets prepared for the 2023-24 season, they introduced Pascal Vincent as the new head coach. Vincent experimented by moving Laine to the center position instead of his usual wing, but the results were disappointing. The experiment was short-lived, as Laine dealt with injuries and eventually entered the NHL Player Assistance Program in January.
Laine’s tenure in Columbus has been marked more by off-ice headlines than on-ice performance. While his play was strong when he was able to compete, injuries and other issues overshadowed his time with the team. Now, with Columbus seeking to give Laine a fresh start, it will be intriguing to see which teams express interest in acquiring him.
One potential destination is the Chicago Blackhawks. For the Blackhawks, acquiring Laine could provide a boost to their roster. If they decide to target Laine, they would be getting a player with proven goal-scoring ability and the potential to reignite his career with a new team. Despite his struggles in Columbus, Laine’s talent is undeniable, and a change of scenery could be what he needs to return to his former glory. The Blackhawks, known for their history of developing talent, might be the perfect environment for Laine to find his footing again and become a key contributor to their lineup.
In conclusion, while Laine’s journey in Columbus has been tumultuous, a trade could offer him the fresh start he needs. The Chicago Blackhawks might just be the team to provide that opportunity, benefiting both Laine and their own ambitions in the NHL.
