Patrik Laine Cleared from Player Assistance Program

Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, allowing trade discussions to commence with interested NHL teams. Laine, recovering from shoulder surgery, expressed a desire for a fresh start away from Columbus, where he has struggled with injuries, limiting him to just 18 games last season with six goals and nine points. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed ongoing efforts to facilitate a trade, stating that teams are now free to contact Laine directly. Despite his injury history, Laine has shown significant scoring capability in previous seasons, averaging nearly a point per game when healthy. His contract, with a cap hit of $8.7 million for two more seasons, may require the Blue Jackets to retain some salary in any trade deal. Potential suitors include the Seattle Kraken and Minnesota Wild, among others.