Blue Jackets' GM Don Waddell iscusses Patrik Laine's request for a trade
In a revealing interview with TSN Radio, Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell shared candid insights about Patrik Laine's trade request, signaling a possible end to the player's tenure with the team.
Laine, a 26-year-old sniper known for his sharpshooting abilities, formally requested a trade earlier this year amid mental health concerns while participating in the NHL's Player Assistance Program. According to Waddell, undisclosed incidents within the locker room have led to Laine's firm decision not to return to the team.
Waddell expressed that maneuvering a trade for Laine has been fraught with challenges. Only two teams have shown interest in acquiring Laine, and neither is prepared to meet the high valuation set by the Blue Jackets. This lack of market enthusiasm is partly because Laine has not replicated his high-scoring performance from earlier seasons, with no more than 30 goals in the past six years. Despite this, there's a general consensus that Laine's decline in goal-scoring may be attributed to Columbus' defensive play style and the absence of high-caliber teammates to support him.
Last season, Laine's participation was limited to just 18 games, contributing 6 goals and a total of 9 points before he had to step away to focus on his mental health. With a contract stipulating a payment of $8.7M for the next two seasons, there's a significant financial and performance-based risk involved.
This places both the player and the team in a precarious position.
Waddell has not given up hope, however. He aims to persuade Laine to return to Columbus to potentially increase his market value through improved play. Yet, as Waddell pointed out, Laine is resolute about leaving and starting anew elsewhere in the NHL. This situation sets the stage for a potentially transformative season for Laine, should he find a team willing to harness his innate goal-scoring prowess.
As the trade saga unfolds, all eyes will be on Laine to see if a change of scenery can reignite the formidable talent that marked his explosive entry into the NHL.
Source for Laine Stats: HockeyDB
| POLL | ||
Do you believe that with a new squad, Laine will be able to restore his scoring ability? | ||
| Yes, he can score 30 again | 15 | 34.1 % |
| No, he won't | 29 | 65.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
