Patrik Laine Reportedly Being Shopped Around Prior To Tonight’s Draft

It’s NHL draft day, so you know what that means? Bring on the trade rumors! The earliest buzz around the league today is that Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine is being shopped around.

Wpg has had multiple discussions with a number of clubs on Laine and others. Thus far there hasn’t been a fit. Keep in mind, the Jets aren’t selling off assets, they’re trying to fill holes (2C + 2D). They will, in time…whether Laine is or isn’t involved remains the unknown.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 6, 2020

It seems as if Winnipeg views their depth as a core problem leading into the draft, and Laine would certainly bring in a HAUL big enough to fill holes across the starting lineup. The 22-year old Laine would be a prime candidate as a guy you want to build your franchise around. Any team would be lucky to land the young Finnish forward. Laine scored 63 points last year, with a lot of his heavy lifting coming on the power play.

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Potential Landing Spots For Patrik Laine

If Laine were to be traded today, it would have to be to a team with enough assets to fulfill the hefty requirements. The Philadelphia Flyers were reported to be kicking the tires on Laine last week. I’d expect Philadelphia to circle back with Winnipeg today. I think this would make the most sense for both sides. Philly’s young and fast style would be a perfect fir for Patrik Laine.

The Flyers also have the cap space to take on Laine, and have assets that could interest Winnipeg.

Believe the #Flyers were the team most engaged with #nhljets to this point on Laine. Talks have cooled for now. Though it did involve a defenceman going to WPG, the Niskanen retirement is a nonfactor in PHI’s ability to revisit a potential Laine deal. Will they? We’ll see. https://t.co/jjqWMc0cxc

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 6, 2020

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes have also shown interest in Laine.

It’s still early in the day, but this has the feel of a very active draft day for the NHL. We might be looking back on moves that were made or not made today when the playoff picture starts to take shape in 2021. Buckle up, it could be an exciting day around the NHL.

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