After Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell discussed Patrik Laine's trade request on Friday, speculation continues about whether a move will happen before the puck drops.

Patrik Laine's been a fixture in this summer's trade rumors since reportedly requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets in early June.

Media speculation linked the 26-year-old winger to the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets and, most recently, the Minnesota Wild. 

Despite the rumored suitors, Laine's $8.7-million cap hit through 2025-26, his injury history, inconsistent play and a recent stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program seeking treatment for his mental health make him difficult to move in the off-season.

Speaking with TSN's Bryan Hayes and Dave Feschuk on Friday, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell shed some light on Laine's trade request. He claimed the winger was vocal about a trade before Waddell took over as GM in May, indicating “a lot of things going on in the locker room.”

Waddell said he's been speaking with teams daily, claiming two or three clubs are currently engaged. However, he admitted he's had difficulty finding a suitable trade partner partly because of Laine's cap hit.

If a trade cannot be found, Waddell told Laine's agent that the winger must return to the Blue Jackets for training camp. He said they would welcome him back and try to make the best of the situation.

Sportsnet cited Waddell's interview with Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers saying he's given Laine's agent permission to speak with other clubs. Nevertheless, he won't make a trade unless the return makes sense for the Blue Jackets. 

So far, Waddell hasn't received any suitable offers. The Hockey News' Jason Newland cited him saying a deal might not be available until later in the season, perhaps at Christmas time. It would depend on Laine regaining his scoring touch with the Blue Jackets. Adam Proteau added that it could be in Laine's best interest to play at his best to materialize a trade.

It could take longer than that to find a suitable trade for Laine. Both sides could end up waiting until the March trade deadline for the right offer to materialize. 

Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.