NHL.com's Dan Rosen Thinks Patrik Laine To The Washington Capitals Should Happen trucc

Rosen says in his article, 

The Columbus Blue Jackets remain in a holding pattern with Laine because he is still in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and can't be traded until he is released. Provided the NHL gains clarity on Laine's playing status before the coming season, the Capitals should be in the mix to try to acquire him, especially with the $3.9 million gained with Kuznetsov's contract termination, a mutual agreement made between the player and the Hurricanes. 

"The Capitals retained 50 percent of Kuznetsov's $7.8 million average annual value when they traded him to the Hurricanes, so the contract termination is big news for them and their salary cap situation. It basically gives them the ability to acquire another impact player. Backstrom will go on LTIR. It's not a given that T.J. Oshie will as well, but if that happens and it's for the entire season, it's another $5.75 million available to them. We may not know that until well into training camp."

They've already added Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane. Both should be in the top-six mix. There's ample cap space now to add to that group whether it's someone like Laine through a trade with the Blue Jackets or another forward via a trade. The free agent market doesn't house anybody of that ilk anymore.

As a reminder, Patrik Laine can be traded anytime, even with him being in the program, but teams would like to talk to Laine before any move is made. 

As Rosen says, the Caps would need to make some moves to make a deal like this work, but it absolutely could be done. From a Washington perspective, a move for Laine makes sense. Not only for making the final years of Alexander Ovechkin's career worthwhile but also getting a player like Laine with his wicked shot, around the best goal scorer in NHL history.

How would Jackets fans feel about Laine playing for another Metro team? Rumors of Laine being linked to the Carolina Hurricanes are already out there, so nothing should be surprising at this point. 

Laine may start the season as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets as well, but whether he plays for the team or not is a different story. 

How would you feel about Patrik Laine going to the Washington Capitals? Please share your thoughts on our forum.