Trade Proposal Sees Rangers Acquire Disgruntled $34.8 Million Forward
Patrik Laine has requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and one proposed trade scenario involves him being sent to the New York Rangers.
The Rangers, a top contender in the NHL, might be just a piece or two away from winning the Stanley Cup. PuckPedia, a website that allows users to create their own trades with a tool called PuckGM, featured a user-submitted trade where the Rangers acquire Laine. The proposed trade includes:
Rangers Receive:
- Patrik Laine (with $4.4 million of his salary retained by Columbus)
Blue Jackets Receive:
- Kaapo Kakko
- 2025 first-round pick
This trade could benefit both teams. The Rangers would acquire Laine, who, when healthy and at his best, is one of the NHL’s top players. They would also move on from Kaapo Kakko, a former second-overall pick who hasn’t met expectations, while giving up a first-round pick.
Laine has two years remaining on his four-year, $34.8 million contract. In this proposal, Columbus would retain $4.4 million of his $8.7 million annual salary, making it more affordable for New York. Last season, Laine scored 6 goals and recorded 3 assists for 9 points in 18 games, as injuries hampered his performance.
In return, Columbus would receive a first-round pick, the centerpiece of the trade, along with Kakko, who is just 23 years old. A change of scenery might help the former second-overall pick reach his potential. Last season, Kakko tallied 13 goals and 6 assists for 19 points in 61 games.
Laine Granted Permission to Talk to Other Teams
With Laine requesting a trade, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell confirmed to Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers that Laine has permission to speak with other teams.
“Well, he’s still a Blue Jacket today, and as we speak, I don’t have anything newsworthy of interest, but nothing that I had to make a decision on yet,” Waddell said. “Some teams are doing their homework, trying to talk with Patrik and his agent. He has permission to talk to teams, but at this moment, there’s nothing on the table that makes sense for the Blue Jackets.”
Waddell also noted that while Laine wants to be traded, a deal can only happen if both sides find an agreeable trade partner and terms. “I’ve told his representation that we will definitely look at every deal, and I’ve given him full permission to talk to teams,” Waddell added. “But at this time, I don’t have anything that works, so I can’t rule out any possibilities.”
Laine was drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL draft.
Kakko’s Frustration with His Role on the Rangers
Kaapo Kakko, who was drafted second overall in 2019 by the Rangers, has expressed frustration with his role on the team. Last season, he was a healthy scratch during both the regular season and playoffs, which left him dissatisfied.
“Of course, everyone wants to play. … I was not happy I wasn’t in the lineup, but I still wanted the team to win. I was hoping for a win and to get back in the lineup, but I can say I was not happy. I think all the guys in this room, everyone wants to play,” Kakko shared.
Kakko has played in 300 regular-season games, recording 57 goals and 60 assists for 117 points.
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