Laine and Dubois traded
It is still very early days in the 2020-21 National Hockey League season, but for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets there was no time to waste. Both teams were dealing with potentially toxic situations on their hands and opted to make a trade that they believe will mutually benefit each organization.
On Saturday, the Blue Jackets and Jets completed a blockbuster trade that saw Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic traded to Columbus in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-round pick. It was a deal that made sense for both clubs, with Laine and Dubois both looking for a way out.
“To get a top centre in this environment is virtually unheard of, and that’s why the bidding was fast and furious,” said Jets’ general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff of the decision to acquire Dubois, via Sportsnet. “We wouldn’t have moved a Patrik Laine for anyone that didn’t fit that certain criteria of a top cenetreman or a top defenceman. When that opportunity presented itself, I felt it was necessary that we made that move.”
Laine’s contract expires at the end of next season and there didn’t seem to be an extension coming. The player was looking to make a name elsewhere and the Jets knew they had to make a move sooner than later to capitalize on his value.
That doesn’t mean the Jets aren’t going to miss him.
“A young man who almost won the goal-scoring title. We connected on a lot of big goals,” said Jets captain Blake Wheeler of his former teammate. “We tried to give him the puck on the power play every chance we got. He’s a guy that’s very powerful and he’s starting to tap into that a little bit. So, I’ll have nothing but good memories of the time spent on the ice with Patty, and some of the steps we were able to take as a team and an organization, they all included his time here. I’ll be cheering for him, there’s no doubt, no doubt about that.
“I won’t lie. It’s kind of sad. Just rewind four years ago and the excitement when we drafted (Laine) and the steps our organization has taken and he’s a big part of that. It’s disappointing to be having this conversation. It’s the nature of pro sports and for our organization, we move forward.”
The Finnish superstar was drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft and had spent his entire career with Winnipeg. He had 28 goals and 35 assists in 68 regular season games last year.
Despite the ongoing drama regarding Laine’s future, the Jets have gotten off to a decent start to the campaign by winning four of their first five games played.
Dubois provides the Jets with a little bit more room under the salary cap while also giving them another year of control. The center’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2024, so the Jets do not need to rush into contract negotiations with their latest acquisition.
The Blue Jackets have won just two of their opening six games and are hoping Laine can provide them with the kind of creative spark they are looking for.
