After GM Bill Guerin revealed he plans to meet with him, the Minnesota Wild have emerged as a potential frontrunner to pick up Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine. Since exiting the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Patrik Laine has become one of the most discussed players when it comes to blockbuster trade deals. Having been open to trades, many started talks surrounding a potential return to the Winnipeg Jets. <q>On today's show, @WiebesWorld joined @hustlerama to discuss Patrik Laine being cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program, along with whether or not the #NHLJets should look to bring him back to Winnipeg.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/SportsTalkWPG/status/1816957430556950640'> </a></blockquote></div> However, the discussion quickly moved from the Jets to the airports. Patrik Laine was reportedly spotted recently in Montreal's YUL International alongside his agent. Naturally, this sparked rumors that the Canadiens could be the top team consulting the forward about a possible deal. <q>EXCLUSIVE : #Breaking Patrick Laine has been spotted at YUL international airport in Montreal with his agent. Sources are telling me.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/GHGMath/status/1816884251469709747'> </a></blockquote></div> However, days after the discussion of his sighting in Montreal died down, the Minnesota Wild have now emerged as a potential frontrunner for picking up Laine. General manager Bill Guerin has shared his plans to call the player about his interest in a deal with the team ahead of a major negotiation. <q>RUMOURS SWIRLING! 🤔🏒 The Columbus Blue Jackets trying to trade forward Patrik Laine. The Minnesota Wild have emerged as a possible destination for Laine. GM Bill Guerin is expected to reach out to Laine to see if he is interested in playing with the Wild. #nhlnews</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/SE_Express20/status/1820545440854483237'> </a></blockquote></div> While there is little doubt that Laine could be valuable to their team, he could prove a burden when it comes to contract negotiations. The young forward is on the hook for a multi-million dollar contract, far above the cap space Minnesota has available. Demonstrating the level of adjustments the Wild would need to make to accommodate, <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5677217/2024/08/05/patrik-laine-minnesota-wild-nhl-analysis' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>contributors at The Athletic have proposed a deal that would take Laine for Freddy Gaudreau and Filip Gustavsson.</a> <q>The Wild's Filip Gustavsson could provide an upgrade in net for Columbus, and he does carry a cap hit of $3.75 million each of the next two seasons; his contract almost lines up with Laine, so it seems cleaner, especially if you add in another player like Gaudreau.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNHL/status/1820467545930919949'> </a></blockquote></div> While it is clear Minnesota needs a better shot at putting up a fight in the upcoming season, it will be a challenge trying to fit in Patrik Laine, regardless of how good the fit is. Hopefully, no matter the status of a trade deal with Columbus, the Wild can make the right mark for some power moving forward. Source: TSN <a href='https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/report-minnesota-wild-could-have-interest-in-f-patrik-laine-1.2158322' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Report: Wild could have interest in F Laine</a>