NHL Rumors: Would Patrik Laine Make Sense for the Minnesota Wild?

Joe Smith and Michael Russo of The Athletic: Sources have mentioned that the Minnesota Wild confirmed some curiosity in Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Patrik Laine relationship again to the draft in June. Since groups are actually eligible to speak to Laine, it’s anticipated that the Wild can be a type of groups.

The Wild don’t have a lot wage cap house, so Laine’s contract can be a difficulty. Accidents can even be a priority for the Wild. He’s recovering from shoulder surgical procedure.

NHL Community’s Mike Rupp to the Athletic:

“If there’s a crew to kick the tires, I believe Minnesota (is sensible) as a result of they want that star energy. They want someone else that may assist carry the workload so far as placing up massive numbers.

“The issue I’ve with Laine is it is dependent upon what sort of crew you might be. Every part that Minnesota has established themselves to be so far as their identification, working onerous and lunch pail, he’s not that. The factor that’s stored Minnesota aggressive is all people’s sort of pulling the identical manner and there’s no freelancers. I believe he could be a freelancer. It may work, however it might be actually unhealthy, too.”

If the Blue Jackets retained 50% of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit, the Wild would nonetheless want to maneuver out cash. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has already been on document stating that if he had been to retain 50% wage, he may have already moved Laine by now and added that it’s not his first alternative to take action.

Aaron Portzline has mentioned that Waddell could need a participant in return that may play each night time and who will make them extra aggressive. Freddy Gaudreau with 4 years left at $2.1 million would possibly match the invoice. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson at $3.75 million for 2 years might be an improve for the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets could must discover a crew prepared to take Elvis Merzlikins at $5.4 million for 3 years.