Ducks Must Prioritize Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine Trade amid Latest NHL Rumors

The flood of NHL offseason activity has slowed to a trickle, and few notable names are still available in either the free-agent or trade markets. However, one big domino has yet to fall in the form of Columbus Blue Jackets wing Patrik Laine.

Laine, the second overall pick in the 2016 draft, notified Columbus that he'd prefer a change of scenery in the spring. However, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in an effort to focus on his mental health in January, which made trade talks difficult—teams were unable to contact Laine directly while he was in the assistance program.

On Thursday, though, the 26-year-old was cleared from the program which means teams can now contact him to discuss potential trades.

"It's expected that more clubs will also express interest now that Laine has been cleared," The Athletic's Aaron Portzline wrote.

The Anaheim Ducks, who haven't made the playoffs since the 2017-18 season, should be among those interested teams. After some rebuilding years, now is the perfect time for Anaheim to add a veteran with the combination of experience, talent and upside that Laine possesses.

While Anaheim made a couple of veteran additions this offseason (Jansen Harkens, Carson Meyer), Laired would help address the wish list of general manager Pat Verbeek.

"I'd like to find another top-six right winger," Verbeek said at the Ducks' 'Ducks Migration' event in March, per Patrick Present of The Hockey News. "You need a variety and we don't have enough right-hand shots in our lineup."

While Laine certainly wasn't a top-six wing during his time in Columbus, he's flashed that sort of potential before. He's a creative shot-maker who racked up an impressive 138 goals in his first four seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

Now, Laine missed most of last season with a shoulder injury and is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, but he'd be worth the gamble for a Ducks team looking to open its playoff window this season.

At only 26 and under contract for two more years, Laine could become a long-term investment for Anaheim if he can return to form.

The Blue Jackets, of course, are going to remain patient in trade negotiations. Laine is one of the most valuable trade chips left this offseason, and general manager Don Waddell is looking to make a "hockey trade," according to Portzline. Presumably, that means retaining little to none of Laine's salary—which will be $8.7 million in each of the next two seasons.

However, the Ducks have the pieces necessary to get a deal done.

With $21.7 million in cap space, Anaheim just so happens to be one of the few teams that could absorb Laine's salary outright. The Ducks also have a deep pool of prospects and a reasonable amount of draft capital—they have one first- and two third-round picks next year, plus first-round picks in 2026 and 2027.

Portzliine told TSN 690 Montreal on July 15 (h/t Lyle Richardson of the Hockey News) that he believes that Columbus would prefer picks and prospects to a roster player.

The final hurdle to cross could be Laine's 10-team no-trade clause, which may or may not include Anaheim. That's something Laine may be willing to waive, however, if it means getting out of Columbus.

"The idea is that new Jackets general manager Don Waddell and Laine's agent want to work on this together to find a new spot for the player," The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote back on June 12.

The Ducks could provide Laine with a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild his game without much scrutiny in a smaller market. This could be the rare trade that delivers a win to all parties involved, if the Duck can pull it off.

At this point in the offseason, it should be a huge priority for Anaheim.