Penguins trade opportunity: Pounce on Patrik Laine…
Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and GM Kyle Dubas is no stranger to strategic moves. Known for finding undervalued assets, Dubas demonstrated his acumen last summer by acquiring the reigning Norris Trophy winner, Erik Karlsson, for a package far below market value.
Despite Karlsson’s initial season with the Penguins, surrendering only a first- and second-round pick while offloading Mikael Granlund and Jeff Petry was a masterstroke. The NHL trade rumors never anticipated the minimal overall value the Penguins had to give up for Karlsson.
In fact, Dubas hinted that he was prepared to buy out Granlund if a deal wasn’t reached, highlighting his knack for opportunistic trades.
This summer, Dubas has another chance to acquire top talent with minimal expenditure of future assets. This time, it’s not an older player at the peak of his career but a younger player in need of a fresh start: Patrik Laine.
The 26-year-old right winger has struggled with the Columbus Blue Jackets, managing only nine points in 18 games this season after a brave journey through the NHL Players’ Assistance program. Over four seasons in Columbus, Laine has scored just 64 goals in 174 games.
In his first five seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Laine notched 140 goals in 304 games, including three 30-plus goal seasons and a 44-goal campaign in 2017-18. He has the talent and seems to have regained the desire after completing the program. This week, Laine and his agent expressed a desire for a trade out of Columbus for a fresh start elsewhere.
Dubas stated at the NHL Draft Combine that his goal was to stockpile picks and prospects while Sidney Crosby and the Penguins core were still around to mentor young players. Acquiring Laine might seem counter to that goal, but it could also allow the Penguins to offload unnecessary veterans.
Penguins Trade Fit
While glamorous cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago might be interested in Laine, Pittsburgh offers a balanced environment for his recovery. The city has enough nightlife to appeal to a 26-year-old but not so much as to be overwhelming. The fan support is strong but not oppressive.
Moreover, the Penguins provide leadership and centers who can set up scoring chances for Laine. Columbus’ lack of a top-tier playmaking center has forced Laine to play out of position, but that wouldn’t be an issue in Pittsburgh.
In Pittsburgh, Laine would not bear the burden of carrying the team, with stars like Sidney Crosby shouldering that responsibility. Laine could focus on what he does best: getting open and shooting.
A Laine trade could benefit both sides. The Penguins could move Rickard Rakell to the left side to create a top-six spot for Laine. His 6-foot-5, 216-pound frame is ideal for low-zone play, adding to the Penguins’ gritty goal-line play.
Laine’s elite shot would be a valuable asset on the Penguins’ power play, providing a right-handed target for Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson. The Penguins need power play help, and Laine could be the solution.
Laine’s trade value is currently low, making him an affordable option for the Penguins. His missed season and trade request mean Columbus has limited leverage, similar to the San Jose Sharks in the Karlsson trade.
Laine carries an $8.7 million cap hit for two more seasons, so any investment gone sideways won’t harm the franchise long-term. More likely, he could provide the scoring jolt and power play help the team desperately needs. Dubas could also offload unwanted contracts in the process.
For instance, including Reilly Smith in a trade would only add $3.7 million to the Penguins’ payroll. Trading Ryan Graves might be ambitious, but moving Rakell could free up at least $6 million for free agents.
Of course, any trade involves more than swapping underperforming players for stars. The Penguins might need to sacrifice high picks or top prospects like Owen Pickering or Villie Koivunen, along with NHL talent.
Former Carolina Hurricanes president and GM Don Waddell, now the GM in Columbus, might be open to reacquiring a prospect he once traded for Jake Guentzel. If Dubas and Waddell can negotiate one deal, they can certainly negotiate another.
Once again, Dubas has the chance to reshape the Pittsburgh Penguins with a shrewd, buy-low trade. He should seize this opportunity.
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