Photo credit: USA Today

A trade proposal has emerged regarding top trade target Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets, sending him to the Montreal Canadiens.

It was just last week when it was announced that Patrik Laine has requested a change of scenery out of Columbus.

Kent Hughes will most definitely be looking at doing his “Kirby Dach” trade this season and Patrik Laine may be amongst the best fits.

The finnish sensation has is 6 feet 5 inches and 215 pounds, 26 years old, and has accumulated 388 points, including 204 goals, in 480 career NHL games.

Arpon Basu of the Athletic mentioned in his podcast what it will take to acquire Patrik Laine, and he may be the cheapest option available contrary to targets such as Martin Necas and Trevor Zegras.

«I see a fit for Patrik Laine in Montreal. It’s a reasonable risk, and I’m sure Columbus would be willing to retain a percentage of his $8.7 million contract. […]

The Canadiens have some flexibility. Maybe instead of asking Columbus to retain part of his salary, they could add a player like Christian Dvorak and eliminate his contract for the next season. I think there are many ways to make a trade like this, but I really think it’s a good risk to take.»

– Arpon Basu

«[They could] instead ask the Blue Jackets to swap the fourth and fifth picks in the draft. A situation that, according to Arpon Basu, would be a very reasonable price for Columbus, who would only move back one spot to get rid of Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million contract.»

– Via Marqueur

Despite Laine being one of the best goal scorers in the league, his injury concerns have most definitely decreased his value which would make his hefty 8.7M contract be difficult to trade, therefore the following trade proposal between the Blue Jackets and Canadiens has the chance to leave both teams happy.

TRADE PROPOSAL

To Montreal:

– Patrik Laine + the 4th overall pick in 2024

To Columbus:

– The 5th overall pick in 2024

The Canadiens would advance one slot in the draft and potentially select the player who may not be available at 5. The Blue Jackets would drop one spot however they would clear 8.7M dollars off their cap books.