Report: Jets 'serious' about potential Laine trade
The Winnipeg Jets are entertaining the possibility of trading star forward Patrik Laine, TSN's Darren Dreger reported during Thursday's edition of "Insider Trading."
"Absolutely they're serious. ... The Winnipeg Jets know what their needs are," Dreger said. "They need a No. 2 center and they need to bolster the top four on their blue line. Kevin Cheveldayoff, the general manager there, can't solely rely on free agency."
"One way or another, Kevin Cheveldayoff is listening on Patrik Laine," Dreger added.
The Jets selected the winger with the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Since his debut as a rookie during the 2016-17 season, he ranks seventh in the league in goals with 138.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes are two teams that have expressed an interest in Laine, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports.
Laine inked a two-year bridge deal last season that carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. He'll be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2020-21 campaign.
During the 2019-20 regular season, Laine recorded 28 goals and a career-high 35 assists in 68 games.