As Elliotte Friedman reported, Patrik Laine is out of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, cleared to return, and has been given permission from the Columbus Blue Jackets to speak to teams interested in acquiring him.
There are two hurdles for the talented 26-year-old going forward; he is recovering from shoulder surgery and his contract has two years remaining at a whopping $8.7 million AAV.
The Blue Jackets may be willing to retain salary, but that will depend on if they can get a healthy return.
Carolina is the logical leading candidate for Laine, with their large Finnish contingent and the losses of Jake Guentzel and Teuvo Teravainen leaving a hole, but other teams like Los Angeles, Chicago and Montreal could also be in the mix.
Join the Discussion:
»