Penguins Should Target Blue Jackets Superstar

The Pittsburgh Penguins need scoring help in the final years of their veteran core, and another legitimate option may want out of his current team. According to Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets are working with Patrik Laine and his camp to give him a fresh start on a new team. If Laine can come at an affordable price, the Penguins should be taking a hard look at this player.

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Laine was supposed to be a superstar when he was drafted second overall in 2016. After four seasons in the NHL, it seemed like he was well on his way to icon status. In 305 games with the Winnipeg Jets, Laine scored 138 goals and 109 assists for 247 total points.

The sniper enjoyed personal success early in his career, but it didn’t take long for the Jets to sour on Laine. After one game of the 2020-21 season, the Jets traded Laine to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Laine’s production has dipped since joining the Jets, and injuries and personal issues forced him to play just 18 games in 2023-24, but that doesn’t mean he can't revert back to his high-scoring form.

The Jets and Blue Jackets are known for being poorly run organizations. Locker room problems have always plagued the Jets, and the Blue Jackets have a history of poor decisions. Putting Laine in the hands of a quality group on and off the ice could help him revitalize his career.

This is where the Penguins could step in. Laine can bring offense in spades and can play any position you ask. He’s best suited on a wing, and the Penguins should be targeting a top-line winger to play alongside Sidney Crosby.

Putting Crosby’s elite playmaking ability next to Laine’s scoring touch could do great things for the Penguins. Laine needs a fresh start, and the Penguins need offense.

The Blue Jackets are willing to work to facilitate a deal, but they would have to retain some of Laine’s contract. For the next two seasons, Laine is set to make $8.7 million against the salary cap. That’s a lot of cash for what, on paper, looks and feels like a reclamation project.

The Penguins would also have to hope the Blue Jackets would be willing to take on a Riley Smith or Ryan Shea in return. An overpaid player who disappointed in 2023-24.

If the proper deal can be made, a bond between the Penguins and Laine could be successful. The player is looking to find his stride again and prove he’s still a star player, and the team needs all the help they can get.