Patrik Laine doubles down on trade demand as season approaches

Patrik Laine is ready to return to NHL action are completing his stint in the in the league's Player Assistance program. However, he doesn't want to return to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was widely reported back in June that Laine had asked new general Manager Don Waddell for a fresh start elsewhere.

Since that initial request, Waddell went out and hired former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason to take over as bench boss in Columbus. It appears that did little to change Patrik Laine's mind.

Mark Sheig of The Hockey Writers is reporting he has spoken to Waddell about a potential Laine trade. Waddell said there's nothing new to report on the trade front, but did mention that Patrik Laine had met with the Blue Jackets' new coach Dean Evason. Laine reiterated his request to leave Columbus.

Patrik Laine and his fiancé recently launched a mental health initiative called 'From Us To You.' Laine said he wanted to give something back after so many people had reached out to him over the past year to wish him well and to say how much they wanted to see him play hockey again.

Patrik Laine hasn't played a game in the NHL since December of 2023 when he suffered an injury. He will most definitely need some time to get his hockey legs back under him. If Laine can return to form, he can provide a dangerous offensive threat to any team he happens to play with. Laine had a career high 44 goals with the Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18, but has failed to get above 30 goals in a season since.