Despite rumours Columbus reveals Patrik Laine not legally allowed to be traded

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Cooper Godin
June 20, 2024 (12:39)

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Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is going to be an interesting name to keep an eye on in the coming weeks as both the team and player are seeking a fresh start.

The 26-year-old may not be the same player anymore that he was for his first couple of NHL seasons, but he still has the potential of putting up 20-25 goals and would be a solid addition to any contending team. Laine would likely play a second line role and on the powerplay no matter where he ends up, but for now, he's not allowed to be traded.

On Thursday, newly-appointed General Manager Don Waddell met with the media and was asked about a number of different topics, including Patrik Laine's future with the organization.

Waddell told reporters that Patrik Laine remains in the NHL/NHLPA Players' Assistance Program at this time and isn't allowed to be traded until he leaves the program, which could be any day now. He added that teams want to talk to him before potentially trading for him, but that also can't happen until he exits the program.

"#CBJ GM Don Waddell said Patrik Laine remains in NHL/NHLPA players' assistance program, but expects docs to clear him "soon."
"Teams that have talked about (a trade), they want to talk with him if they're going to make a move."
#NHL clubs can only talk to Laine if he's cleared." Portzline said.

The Blue Jackets GM went on to add that they're working with Laine's agent on a potential move. Ideally, Waddell said that they don't want to retain any salary in a Laine trade, but it's still too early to say.

"We're still working with his agent. He's still in the program. Once he gets out, we expect any day or sometime soon, teams I've talked about, they wanna talk to him. It's too early to say about money. Our hope is we wouldn't have to hold money." Waddell said.

Laine, a native of Tampere, Finland appeared in 18 games this season with the Blue Jackets where he recorded up nine points (six goals, three assists), six penalty minutes and was a minus-ten. He has two years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $8.7 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2026.

We'll have to wait and see where this situation goes in the coming days and weeks, but once Patrik Laine exits the NHL/NHLPA Players' Assistance Program, it's only a matter of time before his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization comes to an end.