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CBJ Player Profile — Patrik Laine |
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The most intriguing player on the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer to watch is the power forward center winger Patrik Laine.
Laine has had his least available season to date, only appearing in 18 of the 82 available games this season. Of those games participated, the Finnish forward had 9 points. He has never played a full season while dawning the Columbus crest.
The former second overall draft selection had his first healthy scratch of the young career, which he called his “most embarrassing moment.”
He dealt with a concussion from the Rasmus Andersson hit; a fractured clavicle; and an extended stint in the NHLPA Player Assistance Program for his mental health amidst the harsh suicide comments.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, the 26 year old is selling his downtown condo. Could this signal an offseason trade or a relocation to the suburbs seeking $2.75M.
Laine is signed at $8.7 million AAV over the next two seasons and will be a top six forward.
Trade and buyout rumors are floating around for the coveted forward. Anaheim and Los Angeles are always around Laine talk. Montreal could be a dark horse. New Jersey has been speculated to be in if it’s a buyout signing from sources around the league. How likely is he out? Slim. It’s possible, but anything is possible in hockey.