Jets winger Patrik Laine is no stranger to trade rumors as he has been a part of trade speculation for the last couple of years with his name creeping up in suggestions in recent weeks. In the latest Insider Trading segment (video link), Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic relayed some comments from his agents Andy Scott and Mike Liut, including that while the 22-year-old isn’t asking for a trade, it may be mutually beneficial at this point for it to happen and have communicated that to Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. They also ruled out any speculation about him not reporting to training camp if he isn’t dealt by then.
The most intriguing comment that LeBrun cited came from Scott who indicated that there is a clear understanding between both sides of where this is probably headed. Reading between the lines, that’s not a typical comment one would here when inaction (a non-trade) is expected.
Laine, the number two pick in 2016, is coming off the best point per game average of his career (0.93) but hasn’t quite been able to sustain top-line production on a frequent basis. There are games where he is extremely difficult to stop but those are offset by some very quiet ones; his inconsistency has been a concern for the team and his ice time has varied as a result. That’s another element that his agents brought up when speaking to LeBrun.
With 138 goals over his first four NHL seasons, Laine has been able to come in and produce at a high level quite quickly; only six players have more over that same span. As a result, there should certainly be plenty of interest in his services, even at a time where there aren’t a lot of teams with enough money to take on his $6.75MM price tag.
That amount is certainly bound to go up next offseason which is likely buoying trade talks. Laine is owed a $7.5MM qualifying offer at that time and unlike his first trip through restricted free agency, he’ll have arbitration rights. Even in a flattened cap environment, he’s going to be well-positioned to get a fair-sized jump in pay. If either side has reservations about doing a long-term deal with Winnipeg that buys out several UFA years, the time to do a deal may very well be now as in-season flexibility to make moves will be even more limited than usual.
For his part, Cheveldayoff has stayed quiet on the speculation other than mentioning that he’s looking at all options when it comes to improving his team. We’ll find out over the coming weeks if that winds up involving one of his top young forwards moving on.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
If I was Detroit I would offer just about anyone but Seider, whatever the Jets might want … probably not much… But I’d pay him max. It’d be nice to have a perennial goal scorer in Detroit again.
Gotta think they’d ask for Veleno a Hronek and a 1st. I wanna say I heard rumours were Winnipeg asking for 2nd line centre and a top 4 D
Jets not asking for much? for a guy avg 34 goals a season while disappearing for parts? it’s like a top 4 D is the starting point or a top 6 and a d prospect
Jets will look stupid if they trade him. I don’t doubt he hits 50 goals in the near future.
Weeger/Connelly and a pick for Laine
Hahahahaha okay boss
There was a time when people thought he might be better than Matthews. Okay, no one actually thought that, they were just Leafs haters.
Lol or the truth
If it weren’t for #2 and #1 in consecutive years, this would have NYR written all over it
Flyers will wind up doing it. Patrick + Sanheim + 1
Patrick hasn’t played in a year. What makes you think that the Jets will do that. Stupid comment.
Man, you are really open minded. Given the flat cap for several years and the raise that will come Laine’s way (as spelled out in the article) it’s not going to be easy for Winnipeg to find a trade partner that’s willing to give up a Lindros haul (over exaggerating here, I guess I have to spell that out for you) and be able to fit his presumed new contract under the cap. So yes, Patrick is in play. There would need to be health assurances before they would jump, but this flawed return should be what is expected. It won’t be Konecny, Frost, Sanheim, York, and multiple number ones.
Nobody is trading for Nolan Patrick.
@MoneyballJustWorks, deal sounds good, as far as Flyers deal it is not guaranteed medically that Patrick when he will be able to play until he appears in Flyers uniform when game counts , Sanheim +1 is good , just have to add a sweetner in deal instead of Patrick. as mentioned he hasn’t been healthy in over a year. All provided if Jets will trade Laine unless they get what they want Defenseman is first choice,
Boeser, Joelevi, Rafferty
Two firsts, two gaps to fill. Prospect D.
That’s two former first rd picks
That’s actually somewhat intriguing.
You’ll love the Arizona winters, and beautiful laid back life. We’d send you Keller, and Fisher.. let’s get it done!
Guerin needs to get his head out of his… and do the Dumba trade. Makes sense for the both.
Never thought of that…does make sense. but I truly believe the jets will regret trading Laine. He’s only 22!
Sabres can def do a trade with Jets. Risto, Mittlestadt, a 1st for Laine. Def something along those lines.
@wildwing I agree a trade built around Dumba + assets VS Laine makes sense for both teams
Unless he ups his compete level more consistently, he has “the future Phil Kessel” written all over him!
Vegas lol….. They try to grab everyone. Pacioretty and a couple Picks….
No matter who the Jets get for Laine they will lose the trade.