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NHL trade rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Patrik Laine

By Alex Hoegler

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 16: Winnipeg Jets rightwing Patrik Laine (29) during a first round Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues, on April 16, 2019, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 16: Winnipeg Jets rightwing Patrik Laine (29) during a first round Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues, on April 16, 2019, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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5. Florida Panthers

Perhaps no team has more to offer Cheveldayoff in a Laine trade than the Florida Panthers. But because they seem intent on getting two top-tier free agents Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky, we can’t put Florida any higher than at No. 5 on the list.

If Tallon signs both players, he simply wouldn’t have the cap space to sign Laine to a long-term contract. But it’s not like the Panthers are a lock to get Panarin at this point; there are plenty of teams that will compete hard for his services. And if Tallon doesn’t manage to land Panarin, he could theoretically shift his focus towards Laine.

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The Panthers have built up one of the most enticing young cores in hockey, but they’ve missed the playoffs in each of the last three years now. With legendary head coach Joel Quenneville taking over behind the bench, Florida has to be aggressive in trying to build up a championship-caliber roster for him.

Tallon probably wouldn’t want to give up his franchise stars in Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, or Jonathan Huberdeau, but there are plenty of other pieces he could offer up to Cheveldayoff. A potential trade offer like this might work.

It’s hard to imagine Cheveldayoff being interested in prospects or draft picks, since the Jets are built to win now. Tallon gives him those pieces by surrendering veteran Mike Hoffman and speedy winger Frank Vatrano.

Those two aren’t as young or skilled as Laine, but they’d both help the Jets compete for a Stanley Cup while the window is open. Hoffman has scored 20-plus goals in each of the last five seasons — including a career-high 36 for the Panthers this season. He would have no problem replacing the offense Laine leave’s behind on the top line.

The 25-year-old Frank Vatrano enjoyed a career year with 24 goals and 39 points this season. He would be able to play anywhere in Winnipeg’s top six, and you can bet he’ll build upon his breakout year on a stacked Winnipeg team.

Florida gets the youngest and best all-around player in this deal, but the Jets add two quality top-six forwards to complement their other stars.

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