Red Wings Should Pursue Patrik Laine Trade – Hockey Writers – Detroit Red Wings

Former Detroit general manager – and current Edmonton Oilers GM – Ken Holland popularized the term “kick the tires” during his 22 years at the helm of Motown. He often used it to refer to free agent signings or trades that would likely help strengthen the club.

The saying is still in play as current Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman looks to improve a roster that just (narrowly) missed the playoffs for a record eighth straight season. Yzerman will have his hands full this summer, and he’ll be tough on those rubber tires this offseason.

It’s no secret that Detroit needs to add talent to its top six, and it just so happens that a “star-level” player has hit the trade market. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine recently called for another “fresh start.” Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported this week that the Finnish shooter wants a change of location and that management will try to accommodate him. Does this person fit the Yzerman bill? I think those “tires” should be warned in advance.

Laine has always been a divisive figure. Drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016 – one pick behind Auston Matthews – the midfielder burst onto the scene during his rookie campaign, scoring 36 goals and 28 assists as an 18-year-old. He followed that up with 44 goals and 26 assists in his second season and is considered one of the league’s brightest stars.

But his career has been on a downward spiral ever since. Injuries and rumors of an attitude problem have plagued Laine throughout his eight-year NHL career. Laine wanted out of Winnipeg, and the 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward was dealt — along with right-hander Jack Roslovic — to Columbus for the 2020-2021 season by Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 2022 third-round draft pick. . It was a fresh start for Laine – 22 years old – and the Blue Jackets were hoping they had found their franchise star.

RELATED: Grind Line: Red Wings’ Top 2024 Offseason

But Laine’s time in the Blue Jackets uniform did not go as planned. He never reached the 30-goal mark for the team and injuries, again, were a problem – he has appeared in just 174 games over four years at Ohio, putting up just under 134 points in that span.

This season was Laine’s most trying as he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Stephen Whyno from The Associated Press had this to say about Laine’s decision to seek help: “The 25-year-old from Finland explained his absence on social media, thanked the team, league and fans for their understanding and support and said he was looking forward to ‘getting back on the ice.’ with a clear mind and renewed energy’” (from ‘Columbus forward Patrik Laine enters NHL/NHLPA player assistance program,’ The Associated PressJan. 28, 2024).

Now, it looks like Laine is on the way again, and Yzerman and the Red Wings should be interested, especially since the cost might not be that high. Laine is under contract for two more seasons for a total of $8.7 million, not a change for a team looking to lock down its current cornerstones — defenseman Moritz Seider and forward Lucas Raymond — to long-term deals this summer.

Columbus will have to retain salary, but I don’t think Laine’s asking price is close to what the Carolina Hurricanes are asking for pending restricted free agent Martin Necas. Laine still has potential and could be worth the gamble, especially as he fits into Detroit’s time to compete.

Sleep the Sniper

Laine has one of the deadliest shots in hockey. His one-time villain still strikes fear into opposition punters, and 40-goal scorers don’t grow on trees – which he accomplished at the age of 20. Although his time with the Jets and Blue Jackets could be cause for concern, he. he is only 26 years old. Can Yzerman help turn things around for the talented Finn?

Detroit may be a little cautious after Jakub Vrana’s tragedy; the talented Czech forward was acquired at the trade deadline from the Washington Capitals for the 2020-21 season and was a disaster for the organization. Although they are two different situations, managers may feel the sting. But maybe a change of scenery and a more organized system could unlock Laine’s potential. Is it worth the risk? It depends on the asking price.

The cost of finding Laine

I don’t expect Columbus to be pulled hard. Laine’s value is very low, but he has the potential to pay big dividends if Detroit can unlock his talent. Would I stop picking Laine for the first round? No – especially not with the 15th overall pick in this year’s draft.

What if a bottom-six roster player, a good defensive prospect, and a future draft pick, based on Laine’s performance, could get a deal? I guess that makes sense, but would Columbus feel the same way? It’s hard to say. The GMs will do their best with Laine’s situation. But we have to believe that there is interest in the young man, who once had 40 goals.

Laine’s Trade Proposal

If I were Yzerman, I would lace up my boots and start stretching. The tires are about to be blown this summer. All 32 GMs will be failing in their jobs if they don’t get at least the asking price. To be clear, Yzermand shouldn’t stop struggling for Laine’s services, but at the right price, he should be in the middle. My suggestion: Jonathan Berggren, William Wallinder, and a future third round pick (second based on performance).

A healthy, clear-headed Laine could have a big impact on the Red Wings’ rebuild. I think that deal is easily worth the risk. Let me know what you think in the comments below.