Patrik Laine used to be one of the brightest young stars in the NHL. Back in the 2017-18 season, Laine recorded 70 points and led the league in playoff goals. With him only being 19 years old, it seemed like this was the start of his breakout. He was on his way to being one of the faces of the NHL. Someone any franchise would kill to have on their roster.
However, six seasons later, things haven’t worked out as anyone would’ve hoped. After a few underwhelming seasons, compared to his sophomore campaign, he requested a trade out of Winnipeg. This came after Mark Scheifele didn’t like playing with Laine. So, having a fresh start in Columbus was exactly what he hoped would turn it around.
It wasn’t the change he needed, and we are sitting here again with Laine having requested another trade. However, is it worth trading for him a second time?
Pros of Trading for Patrik Lane
Although he’s been underperforming based on what he did in his 2017-18 season, he’s still put up decent stats. He recorded 50+ points in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. His goal numbers stayed constant from his time in Winnipeg, racking up around 25-30 goals. That gives you confidence that his skills haven’t diminished. He can still turn things around, whether that be an increase in ice time or getting new guys around him. Specifically, his time on the powerplay does need work as those numbers have had a major dropoff since his sophomore season.
He is also only 26 years old, meaning he can still develop. Now, there won’t be a drastic change in his play or becoming a completely different player. However, changing will make it easier to handle his struggles. You can put it as him adjusting to the league and not being in a good situation. With the right players and system he can recapture that magic, as well as reach the ceiling everyone expected him to reach.
Cons of Trading for Him
A major problem Laine has been facing his entire career is the ability to stay on the ice. He hasn’t played a full NHL season since 2018-19 and has missed 20+ plus games in the last four seasons. The worst was this past season when he only played 18 games. This was due to an upper-body injury. However, he also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to help him with his mental health. The issue is whether it’s worth moving the draft capital and prospects, as well as taking on the massive cap hit for a player who can’t stay on the ice.
There also have to be some concerns about Laine in the locker room. This is the second time in four years he’s demanded a trade. There was also the incident back in 2021 when he got into a fight with an assistant coach on the bench. All of this gives you the impression that he’s not someone you want in your locker room. Now, hopefully, being in the player assistance program helped Laine deal with some of his issues. But, it’s just something teams are gonna have to think about. Do they want to bring someone who constantly demands trades and yells at coaches into your organization?
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