Patrik Laine appears to be looking for a fresh start.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets are working with Laine and his agent, Andy Scott of Octagon, to find a new team for the winger. Laine, who has been in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program since January, is expected to be ready for the 2024-25 season.
Laine, 26, has two years remaining on his contract with an $8.7 million cap hit. His struggles in Columbus – he's yet to appear in more than 56 games in any of his four seasons with the Blue Jackets – certainly weaken the return Columbus is likely to seek.
Laine does have a 10-team no-trade list, but LeBrun reports that new Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell and Laine's agent would cooperate to find a new team for the Fin.
A move may be the first of several potential big decisions Waddell must make as he looks to put his stamp on the team.
Laine has appeared in 174 games for the Blue Jackets over the last four seasons, scoring 64 goals and 74 assists. He's 204–184–388 in 480 games over his nine-season career.
