Three frontrunners emerge for 40-goal scorer Patrik Laine

The Patrik Laine era in Columbus was supposed to bring a new wave of success to the Blue Jackets, but with poor coaching, inconsistency and a major lack of talent, things have just never been able to get rolling. Now, that time is likely to come to an end, with Laine departing the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, now making a trade before the 2024/25 regular season more and more likely.

Montreal have reportedly been interested in a deal, and at 26-years of age, there's expected to be many more teams joining the race to land Laine from Columbus off the back of some quiet stretches. Now, Ryan Whitney of the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast has suggested three intriguing teams that should be making a push to land Laine.

While he may be getting paid $8.7 million over the next two years, Laine has the talent to be one of the top goal scorers in the entire NHL, and with two of those teams looking to make a push in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the addition would be incredible. As for the Flames however, it makes little sense, as they are finally heading towards a rebuild, and with Laine under contract for just two years, he doesn't fit their timeline at all.

Regardless, Columbus are reportedly seeking future draft picks and prospects in a potential deal for Laine, and if they can make it work financially, both Detroit and Colorado would be huge landing spots for the former Winnipeg Jets star.

Source: House of Hockey
Three interesting teams emerge as fits for Patrik Laine