Canucks & Patrik Laine Aren't A Match Despite Need For Top-Six Winger
The Vancouver Canucks are in the market for a top-six winger, and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine could help, but he isn't the right fit.
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports - Canucks & Patrik Laine Aren't A Match Despite Need For Top-Six WingerThe Vancouver Canucks are in the market for a top-six winger, and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine could help, but he isn't the right fit.
Laine recently requested a trade for a fresh start, and after everything he's been through last season, he could use one. He spent most of the season away from the team in the NHL's Player Assistance Program.
Laine is about to enter the third year of a four-year, $34.8 million contract with a modified no-trade clause. While Laine does have some control over where he wants to get traded, the Canucks shouldn't try to acquire him.
With the $8.7 million cap hit attached to Laine, the Canucks don't have enough money to re-sign some of their pending free agents.
Laine's goalscoring ability would be a terrific addition to help relieve some pressure off of Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Laine's shot is elite; there is no question about that.
When going deeper into Laine's playstyle, he doesn't fit what head coach Rick Tocchet wants from his forwards. Tocchet was candid when discussing what the forwards must do along the boards. He requires a hard forecheck and a physical style of play, something Laine isn't the greatest at despite his 6'5, 215 lbs frame.
The Canucks have been linked to Carolina Hurricanes forwards Martin Necas and Jake Guentzel, who both have shown they can play an effective forechecking game.
Laine is a good NHL player who has scored over 30 goals three times, including 44, which is his career high. His playstyle and expensive cap hit make it hard to reason why GM Patrik Allvin would trade for him.
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