Is the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Star a Good Match for the Boston Bruins?

The Columbus Blue Jackets and forward Patrik Laine have agreed to part ways, with the team allowing the 6-foot-5, 210-pound right wing to seek a trade. Laine is one of the most talented scoring forwards in the NHL when healthy. However, the Finnish forward has recently struggled with injuries and spent time in the league’s player assistance program.

Laine, 25, entered the NHL and NHLPA’s player assistance program in late January, sidelining him for some time. He had left the team shortly after fracturing his clavicle in mid-December and experiencing a setback in his recovery. During the 2023-24 season, Laine played only 18 regular-season games with the Blue Jackets, scoring six goals, three assists, and posting a minus-10 rating.

In previous seasons, Laine was a point-per-game player and has achieved at least 60 points in three different seasons. At his age, he remains a valuable asset, and the Boston Bruins need a scoring forward to alleviate some of the pressure on David Pastrnak. The idea of having Pastrnak and Laine on the right wing of two different lines is enticing. The Bruins should at least inquire about the asking price for such a skilled player. Now that the Blue Jackets are open to trading their star forward, teams will likely be eager to make offers.

What would the Bruins need to give up for a player of Laine’s caliber? Likely a top prospect or two and possibly a roster player. The team would need to assess whether Laine is worth the risk involved in acquiring such a mercurial talent. If Laine is happy and healthy, he can provide elite offense to a team that struggled in that area during the playoffs this season.

Acquiring someone like Patrik Laine involves careful consideration. Does the reward outweigh the risk? The Bruins would be betting on Laine thriving in a stable system with strong teammates, motivated by the prospect of a Stanley Cup run. With a 10-team no-trade clause, the Bruins would need to be one of Laine’s preferred destinations, and his $8.7 million salary for the next two seasons could be a significant gamble.