6 Trade Landing Spots That Could Revive Blue Jackets Forward Patrik Laine's Career | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The Patrik Laine era in Columbus began with such hope.

When he was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets in a January 2021 trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois the other way, there was belief that he could regain the superstar form he showed early in his career and give the Blue Jackets a building block goal-scorer.

It hasn't worked out that way.

Injuries have played the biggest role in slowing Laine's production, while he has also struggled to make an impact under two different head coaches. He was a healthy scratch earlier this season, has been used as a center at times, and despite mostly strong offensive numbers, has not quite made the overall impact that was hoped.

He hasn't necessarily been bad with nine points in 18 games—just not game-changing.

Given all of that, as well as Columbus' place at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, it is worth wondering if another trade might be best for everybody involved.

The Blue Jackets need a major reset as an organization (from the general manager on down), Laine could probably use a fresh start for himself in a better situation, and he is one of the few players on the roster who might have some real trade value if they decided to put the For Sale sign up.

There are two things that could complicate a deal.

The first is that Laine is sidelined for at least another month with a fractured clavicle.

The second is that the 25-year-old is signed for two more full seasons after this with an extremely pricey $8.7 million salary-cap hit per season.

Still, it's feasible another organization would want to take a shot at reviving his potential. Here are a few candidates.