Imagine this: The Columbus Blue Jackets finally bite and send Patrik Laine to a new NHL team. This club has searched for reliable scoring on the wing, specifically with the departure of a "Golden Misfit." With Laine exiting the player assistance program, they've pounced on the opportunity to acquire the forward. The team? The Vegas Golden Knights, who haven't shied away from acquiring big names in the past.
It makes perfect sense. The star winger scored 80 goals in his first two seasons, establishing himself as a bona fide star. Having a booming shot and offensive savvy to boot makes him an attractive trade piece. Add in the fact he's only 26 years old and he's the perfect trade target for Kelly McCrimmon.
But not everything is perfect in the Laine world. He's missed time with numerous injuries over the years, leaving a void on Columbus's forward unit. There's also finding a perfect spot for him, which has been difficult. Therefore, a change of scenery would benefit the superstar greatly.
So let's explore the scenario further and find him a perfect spot. He's talented on different units, including the power play. That one is a given. But what will happen if the Golden Knights go through with a trade? Where would the Finnish forward go if he came to Las Vegas?
Finding a spot for Laine on the Vegas Golden Knights in a post Blue Jackets world
No, the Columbus Blue Jackets aren't being contracted from the NHL. Although they haven't developed a true following, they still exist. It's just the post Ohio world for Patrik Laine, who goes to the Vegas Golden Knights in this dream scenario. Where does the Finnish superstar fit within the lineup?
One answer would be on the first line, primarily on the right wing. Ivan Barbashev would be on Jack Eichel's left wing, while Laine would be on the right. It's a dream scenario that doesn't just boost the Golden Knights offensively. It gives them more size, making them an imposing unit. Imagine Eichel setting up a pass to Laine in the slot, where he fires a blistering shot past a goaltender.
That's the one thing that makes him an attractive replacement for Jonathan Marchessault, who was undersized as an NHL player. His lack of size limited what he could do, making him more of a defensive liability. With Laine standing at 6'5", that won't be a problem, especially with his defensive game developing. If he grows into that part of the game, he'll become more reliable on the forecheck.
Other spots for Patrik Laine
There's also room for him on the second line, specifically with Mark Stone being the more tenured Golden Knight. The Captain is much more familiar with Eichel's game, playing with him for a TOI of 556:37 (81 games) since 2021-22 (according to Natural Stat Trick). Bruce Cassidy has favored seasoned players in the past, which would also apply here.
Just look at how he switched out Logan Thompson for Adin Hill in the first round of last season's playoffs against the Dallas Stars. Despite Thompson playing extremely well, he went with Hill based on his playoff run from the year before. Although the Vegas Golden Knights bowed out, he posted a GAA of 1.70 in three games.
Looking at the Hill situation, it wouldn't be surprising to see Laine on the second line, either. That's especially true if the prospective new acquisition was either struggling out the gate or starting slow. Still, he would be a top six forward who's a high-risk, high-reward winger. That should be enough to entice Kelly McCrimmon to make a move.