Considering the pros and cons of the Canucks trading for Patrik Laine
With Patrik Laine requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, we take a look at the case for and against the Vancouver Canucks making a move for him.
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin is a determined man. During his end of season presser, he vowed to look for ways to improve the roster and make sure the success of the 2023-24 campaign was not a one-off.
In this respect, you assume he will leave no stone unturned, while also looking around every corner in his quest to make the Canucks a team to be reckoned with for the long-term. Which brings us to Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
As per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Laine has advised the Blue Jackets that he would like a fresh start. As a result, both sides are now working together on a trade.
The question is, should the Canucks throw their hat into the ring and contact the Blue Jackets about the forward? Let's look a the pros and cons of such a move:
The case for Laine
On a simple level, Laine has one of the best pure shots in the game. He is a quality top six -- if not top line -- forward, capable of 30+ goals per season.
In fact, the 26-year-old has the potential to be a regular 40+ goal scorer even though he's only managed this once so far, with 44 during the 2017-18 season. He has what it takes, to make the Canucks' attack more dangerous.
Helping make Laine even more threatening, is his intimidating size of 6 foot 5 and 205 pounds. Combined with his excellent puck handling he's tough to control, even in tight corners.
One other thing to consider is the 2016 second overall draft pick's contract, which has two years remaining at an annual value of $8.7 million. Given the circumstances surrounding him -- which we'll get to in a moment -- there is the possibility that the Blue Jackets would be willing to retain some of his salary, to help facilitate a trade with the right team.
The case against Laine
Following a spectacular first three seasons in the NHL, the reality is that Laine has struggled to remain healthy. In turn, this has understandably compromised his consistency and effectiveness.
There's no denying the talent is still there, as evidenced by the 2017 NHL All-Star essentially producing at a point-per-game rate during his previous two campaigns in Columbus. Regardless, the fact remains that he needs to prove he is capable of staying healthy.
Laine also dealt with a shoulder injury issue this season, but this wasn't the main reason he only played in 18 games. This was down to seeking help from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program back in January, which he remains in at the time of writing.
When the decision was announced officially, Laine took to social media to explain the reasoning behind him stepping away. As per NHL.com, he said: "After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognised the importance of prioritising my mental health and well-being. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realise that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself."
Now it should be stressed that, as per LeBrun, the former Winnipeg Jet is expected to be ready for the begining of next season. However, fair or not, you have to wonder how much any of this will factor into the level of demand there is for him.
Also, while we wouldn't go as far as labelling it a liability per se, Laine isn't exactly renowned for his defensive game. This is something which the Canucks pride themselves on as a team, especially as they made significant strides in this area during the 2023-24 campaign.
One final thing the Canucks and their fans may want to consider -- as minor as this is in the grand scheme of things -- is that the snipper took a shot at the team while he was still in Winnipeg. Following a disastrous campaign which saw Vancouver finish with the fifth-worst record in the NHL, Bo Horvat announced a decision to ban playing video games on the road for the 2018-19 season.
As per Canucks Army at the time, Laine made a disparaging remark about the Canucks needing something to blame after their 73-point season. Aside from the irony that he enjoyed playing video games himself, it was an unnecessary comment and one which has since come back to bite him, given how his own career has progressed in recent years.
In conclusion
In an ideal world, Laine would be just the type of player who could immediately make the Canucks more dangerous. However, there are no guarantees -- are there ever any in fairness with a hockey player -- that he can remain healthy and perform similarly to earlier in his NHL career.
In respect of the Finland native's contract, it would be imperative for the Blue Jackets to retain some of his salary. And even then, it would still likely leave a considerable amount for the Canucks to cover, especially with them having to deal with their list of 12 pending free agents who will all be looking for more money.
On top of all this, the Blue Jackets wouldn't just be giving the player away. This leads to what they would ask for in return and if the Canucks would be able or indeed want to give up the asking price.
Still on the subject of Laine's contract, there is his own preferences on where he would like to go. Consider that he has a 10-team modified no-trade clause, and for all we know the Canucks might be on that list.
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One last thing to take into account, is that this is the second time Laine has asked for a trade, which leaves him open to questions about his ability to commit to a team and his teammates. Overall, as much as the fantasy surrounding obtaining him is a positive one, the reality is that it's just too much of a gamble.
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