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Hockey Insider Jason Gregor has just revealed a major update regarding a trade involving Columbus Blue Jackets’ forward Patrik Laine.

“He is still in the NHL player’s assistance program. He can be traded while he is in it, but the teams interested in acquiring him and the Blue Jackets would like to talk to him, but until he is cleared from the program they are unable to speak with him. He is close to being cleared, but until that happens, I don’t see a trade occurring,” Portzline on Patrik Laine. @Sports1440

The Washington Capitals have now emerged as the front runners to acquire Laine, according to various sources. The Capitals have expressed interest in wanting to speak to Laine and his camp directly first, before engaging in actual negotations.

Patrik Laine Should Be on the Capitals’ Trade Radar

If there’s one issue that could cause a trade delay, it’s the fact that Laine has mentioned he plans to remain in the NHLPA’s player assistance program for a little while longer. Until Laine leaves the program, he is forbidden to speak to teams directly, which means the Capitals would have to either wait for that moment, or they can proceed to preparing a trade offer without actually speaking to him.

MacLellan and his staff ultimately have to determine if they want Laine’s services and what they are willing to give up to get him. It would be interesting to see how Carbery would use him. There almost would certainly be a temptation to put him on a line with Ovechkin and see if any chemistry is created between the two.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out over the next couple of summer months.

Credit Jets Latest:
Bombshell update on Patrick Laine