Patrik Laine has left the NHLPA assistance program, what will a trade look like?

Patrik Laine was cleared by the NHLPA's player assistance program doctors to return to the game of hockey when the season begins again in October. What happens next?

We've likely seen the last of Patrik Laine in the Union Blue.
We've likely seen the last of Patrik Laine in the Union Blue. | Jaylynn Nash/GettyImages
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Montreal Canadiens

Michael Hage
2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft - First Round | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

The Habs are a fellow rebuilding Eastern Conference team looking to emerge from the rebuild that followed the franchise's Stanley Cup Finals run in 2021.

The Canadiens have a wealth of talent in young forwards but could use additional scoring in their top six aside skaters, including Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Alex Newhook, and former first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovský.

While it's evident that the Habs would not be willing to part with any of their top prospects like Michael Hage or Ivan Demidov, they are notable for possessing nine picks in the first four rounds of the NHL Entry Draft next spring. If Waddell is seriously looking for prospects on top of picks, he may try to look at other skaters like Owen Beck or Sean Farrell in Montreal's deep prospect pool.

Anaheim Ducks

Beckett Sennecke
2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft - First Round | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

The newly rebranded Ducks are always willing to make a splash during the offseason. They have continued to work themselves out of their long term rebuild and put themselves back into playoff contention.

They have amassed a fortune of young talent that has positioned the Franchise well for the future. Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger are just a few of the names currently on the roster that will be looking to make an impact immediately in the 2024-2025 NHL season.

While Anaheim General Manager Pat Verbeek has done an excellent job mixing veteran presences like Radko Gudas and Frank Vatrano through the Ducks' lineup, Laine would be a solid add for them in their top six.

They have an abundance of cap space that could be utilized to take on the entirety of Laine's deal without the Jackets needing to retain any salary.

While this may come with a smaller return, likely just a mix of fourth or fifth-round picks from the Ducks, Waddell might be satisfied with this kind of move to get Laine's over $8 million contract off the books.

If the Ducks are looking at the Jackets to retain some of the salary, look for Don to ask for a young D-man from the Ducks' deep prospect pool.

Regardless of who ends up being the partner for Laine, I would expect him to be traded quickly this week following the eventual re-signing of Cole Sillinger.

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