Speculation surrounding Patrik Laine's future team continued this week after reports the NHL and NHLPA Player Assistance Program cleared the Columbus Blue Jackets winger.

Earlier this week, we noted the trade market on Patrik Laine was expected to heat up after he was cleared last Friday from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

The Columbus Blue Jackets still face obstacles as they attempt to peddle Laine. The 26-year-old winger has two years left on his contract, with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Hampered by injuries over the past four seasons, Laine is still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered last season.

Nevertheless, there's an expectation that teams that failed to upgrade their offense in free agency could circle back to the trade market. 

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is hopeful of moving Laine for a roster player without having to retain part of his salary. However, there's also speculation he could accept draft picks and prospects and could be open to retaining some of Laine's cap hit.

The Washington Capitals, New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins have been mentioned as potential suitors. Other clubs could also get into the mix.

The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner suggested the Islanders could use another top-six forward to bolster the offense. They're just lacking the cap space right now to bring him on, and a three-team trade is also possible but not probable. 

Josh Wegman of The Score also mentioned the Penguins in his five best trade fits for Laine. He also suggested the Colorado Avalanche if sidelined winger Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin fail to return this season. The Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken and Buffalo Sabres rounded out his list.

The Golden Knights tend to be in on every big name in the trade market and acquire a few over the years. However, The Hockey News' Anthony Larocco considers it unlikely, given their salary-cap crunch this season. He believes they'd have to part with defenseman Shea Theodore or center William Karlsson in the deal, provided the Blue Jackets retain half of Laine's cap hit.

Writing for RG.org, Montreal Hockey Now's Marco D'Amico believes the Montreal Canadiens could be active in the trade market after signing up their RFAs. With over $5.4 million in cap space, they can exceed the cap if necessary by placing permanently sidelined Carey Price and his $10.5-million cap hit on LTIR.

D'Amico noted there is chatter suggesting Canadiens GM Kent Hughes remains open to moves this summer if the opportunity arises. He could consider acquiring Laine or Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers to add more punch to his scoring lines.

The Hockey News' Remy Mastey believes the New York Rangers should at least look into acquiring Laine, provided the Blue Jackets retain part of his cap hit.

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