The NHL rumor season is heating up, and trade rumors are swirling around disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos, on his Real Kyper and Bourne radio show, has reignited speculation that Laine could be headed back to the Winnipeg Jets, the team that originally drafted him.
Kypreos Fuels Speculation of Laine’s Return to Jets in Blockbuster Trade
Kypreos Fuels Laine’s Return Narrative
Kypreos, known for his well-connected sources, suggests that Laine would welcome a return to Winnipeg, despite a rumored rift with former Jets’ captain Blake Wheeler that led to his departure three years ago. “Patrik Laine loved playing in Winnipeg,” Kypreos stated on his show. “He would welcome a trade back to the Jets.”
Blockbuster Ehlers for Laine Swap?
Adding fuel to the fire, Kypreos proposes a potential blockbuster trade involving Laine and Jets’ winger Nikolaj Ehlers. Ehlers, a talented scorer in his own right, has been the subject of trade rumors recently. A swap of the two high-profile wingers could be a win-win for both teams, addressing their respective needs.
Cap Concerns and Blue Jackets’ Retained Salary
One significant hurdle to any potential Laine trade is his hefty $8.7 million cap hit. Kypreos acknowledges this and suggests that the Blue Jackets would likely need to retain a portion of Laine’s salary for a trade to be feasible. This would make the deal more palatable for the Jets, who are already facing cap constraints.
The Laine Saga Continues
Laine’s tenure in Columbus has been marred by inconsistency and injuries. A change of scenery, especially a return to the familiar surroundings of Winnipeg, could be the spark he needs to reignite his career. However, many questions remain unanswered. Will the Jets be willing to part with Ehlers? Can the two teams agree on the financial terms of a trade?
As the offseason unfolds, the Laine trade rumors will undoubtedly continue to dominate headlines. NHL fans will be eagerly watching to see if this blockbuster trade comes to fruition, potentially reshaping the landscape of the league.
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