Would a Patrik Laine trade for Reilly Smith work?
Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas may not want to give up future assets in a trade for a short-term fix. They have two second-round picks. Now, he might consider it for a younger player like Arthur Kaliyev or Nicholas Robertson.
Defenseman Marcus Pettersson has a year left on his contract and has some trade value. Reilly Smith, Tristan Jarry, Rickard Rakell and Ryan Graves lost trade value this year. Smith appears to have a chance to leave to create cap space.
Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine could make some sense. What about the Smith for Laine deal?
Teams can/should be interested in Patrik Laine
Shayna Goldman of the Athletic: The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to give Patrik Laine a fresh start elsewhere. There will be interest but his two years at $8.7 million will make it difficult. He has also been on the relief program since the end of January.
Parties that may or should be interested in Laine include:
Carolina Hurricanes – They could lose Jake Guentzel in free agency, and they could end up trading Martin Necas.
Utah Hockey Club – They have room to add Laine and want to improve.
Montreal Canadiens – The Canadiens need more shooters/scorers. Opponents of reclamation projects. Will they need salary capping or send a contract like Christian Dvorak?
Nashville Predators – The Preds need shooters and more scoring threats. They have cap space and have a trade asset for defenseman Dante Fabbro.
New Jersey Devils – Could use a right front six.
St. Louis Blues – Laine could look good next to forward Robert Thomas.
New York Rangers – Need help on the right side but Martin Necas or Tyler Toffoli might be better targets.
Chicago Blackhawks – Could use some scoring help and take some pressure off Connor Bedard. It might not be the right place for Laine. They would not need the salary to be maintained.
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