Minnesota Wild Emerge as Potential Destination for Patrik Laine

As trade rumors surrounding Patrik Laine intensify, the Minnesota Wild have emerged as a potential destination for the talented sniper. Several reports confirm that Laine has requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, prompting speculation about where he might land. According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith, Wild GM Bill Guerin is expected to reach out to Laine to discuss his interest in playing in Minnesota.

They write:

It is expected that Guerin will reach out at some point soon to Laine to gauge how he’s feeling mentally and physically and whether he’s interested in playing for the Wild.

NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp emphasized that Minnesota could benefit from adding Laine, stating, “If there’s a team to kick the tires, I think Minnesota makes sense because they need that star power.” However, Rupp also raised concerns about Laine’s fit within the Wild’s established identity, suggesting he may not align with the team’s work ethic. “He would be a freelancer,” Rupp noted, indicating that while the move could be beneficial, it might also pose challenges.