Patrik Laine linked to many surprising teams amid trade speculation

Since being reinstated form the NHL, NHLPA's players assistance program, there have been numerous rumours surrounding Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine and where he'll be come time for puck drop next season. One thing is clear; it won't be with the Blue Jackets if they can help it.

According to Hockey Buzz, there is quite a lot of interest in Laine, but his cap hit might make a deal hard to facilitate. Among them are the Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Utah HC and New York Islanders.

Hockey Buzz mentions that Laine to Chicago would make for a good landing spot as he would likely be on Connor Bedard's wing and that yields lots of possibilities by itself. Laine at one time was a dynamic shooter and is more than likely looking to get back to that. Bedard, who can also shoot, is also a playmaker who could be put into a pass first mindset rather easily.

We'll see what happens, it seems as always that the Laine situation is very fluid.

Source - Hockey Buzz
Chicago Pushing for Patrik Laine (E3)