Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been the subject of intense trade rumors, with one potential blockbuster deal involving the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Laine, who recently entered the NHL and NHLPA Player Assistance Program on July 26, has requested a trade, amplifying speculation. PuckPedia’s new tool, PuckGM, allows users to propose trades, and one notable pitch involves Laine heading to Toronto.

Proposed Trade:
– Maple Leafs Get:
– Patrik Laine ($4.4 million retained)
– 2025 third-round pick
– Blue Jackets Get:
– Nick Robertson
– David Kampf
– 2026 first-round pick

If this trade materializes, it would be a significant move for both teams. The Maple Leafs would acquire a potent offensive weapon in Laine, with Columbus retaining $4.4 million of his salary to make the deal feasible. Laine is entering the third year of his $34.8 million contract.

Blue Jackets’ Return:
Columbus would receive Nick Robertson, a restricted free agent who has requested a trade due to frustration with his playing time in Toronto. David Kampf, a bottom-six defensive forward who scored 19 points in 78 games last season, would also head to Columbus. The key asset for the Blue Jackets is Toronto’s 2026 first-round pick.

Blue Jackets Seeking the ‘Right Fit’ for Laine:
Laine’s trade request came after a season of struggles with health and consistency. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is searching for a deal that makes sense for Columbus, emphasizing the need for a mutually beneficial trade.

“Patrik’s made it clear, even before all the changes this summer, that he would like a fresh start someplace. We will look at all options when the time comes, hopefully very soon. If there’s not a trade that makes sense to us, then we have to deal with reality,” Waddell said on TSN 1050 on July 25.

Laine was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Draft and has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career.

Maple Leafs GM Wants Robertson Back:
Despite Robertson’s trade request, Toronto GM Brad Treliving has expressed a desire to retain the forward, viewing him as a valuable player with great potential.

“I know there was some frustration with Nick, but we see him as an excellent player with a great opportunity here. We need him to be a good player for us,” Treliving stated on July 1.

As the trade rumors continue to swirl, both teams will weigh their options carefully in the coming weeks.