Bill Guerin and the Minnesota Wild expected to pursue top trade target

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Josh Tupper
August 5, 2024 (8:28 PM)

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The Minnesota Wild are reportedly interested in speaking with Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine about a potential trade.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Patrik Laine is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams as his time in Columbus seems to be nearing an end. Now that Laine is out of the NHL's Player Assistance Program, teams are free to engage in trade discussions with him, a possibility that has been circulating in rumors for months.

On Monday, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of *The Athletic* reported that the Minnesota Wild, led by General Manager Bill Guerin, are expected to reach out to Laine to discuss his current condition and interest in joining their team.

"It is expected that Guerin will reach out at some point soon to Laine to gauge how he's feeling mentally and physically and whether he's interested in playing for the Wild,"

Smith and Russo said.

The Minnesota Wild's interest in Laine, a talented but enigmatic player, is part of their ongoing efforts to bolster their offensive lineup. However, the Wild are not the only team reportedly eyeing Laine. According to TSN, both the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres are also in the mix for the Finnish sniper.

"The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are two other teams rumoured to be interested in acquiring Laine,"

TSN reported.

Laine's 2023-24 season was challenging due to a series of setbacks. After suffering a fractured clavicle in December, he encountered complications during his recovery. Shortly after news of his setback emerged, the 26-year-old entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, sidelining him for the rest of the season. In the limited 18 games he played last season, Laine registered nine points (six goals, three assists) and recorded a minus-ten rating.

Despite the tough year, Laine remains a sought-after player due to his proven goal-scoring ability and offensive talent. His potential departure from Columbus is fueled by these attributes, which could benefit any team looking to enhance their forward lineup.

As training camps across the NHL are set to begin in roughly six weeks, the interest in Laine is likely to intensify. His availability presents a tantalizing opportunity for teams seeking to add scoring depth, and the speculation around his future is expected to continue until a deal is reached.

For the Blue Jackets, trading Laine could signal a shift in their roster strategy, potentially allowing them to acquire assets that align more closely with their long-term goals. Meanwhile, for Laine, a change of scenery might provide the fresh start he needs to rejuvenate his career.

The next few weeks will be crucial as teams evaluate their options and Laine considers his future in the NHL. With the level of interest he has garnered, it wouldn't be surprising to see him donning a new jersey by the time the NHL season kicks off.

As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts will be closely monitoring developments around Patrik Laine, anticipating where he might land next and how his potential move could impact the league landscape.

Source: TSN
Report: Wild could have interest in F Laine