We finally have an update on those Patrik Laine trade rumors. New Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is working hard to find a trade partner. The problem is, teams can't talk directly to Laine, because he's in the NHLPA assistance program so progress has been slow. It's likely the Jackets will need to retain some of the $8.7 million annually over the last two years of his deal. Yet Waddell's preference is to get him off the books completely, preferably for draft picks and prospects. The Blue Jackets are likely to seek draft picks and prospects in a trade for Patrik Laine as opposed to a roster player after their other offseason moves, per @Aportzline <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1816568789036621884'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> The Athletic's Aaron Portzline had more to share: Teams keep checking in to see if there's anything new, Waddell said. I tell them, 'You guys have to be comfortable with Laine, and I can't help you.' I don't know the player personally. I'm not one to try and trick people either, so we made him available to chat when he's cleared. The San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and Laine's former team the Winnipeg Jets have all kicked the tires on a potential trade. #CBJ Laine has interest from #Sharks, #AllCaps, #Habs, #Sabres, #GoKingsGo and a reunion with #NHLJets. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/rogerhicksnhl/status/1811809908460863770'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> As fans, we just have to hope Waddell can find the right deal to give Laine the fresh start he needs while still benefiting the Blue Jackets. Source: Hockey Feed <a href='https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/report-blue-jackets-seriously-lower-their-asking-price-on-patrik-laine' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Report: Blue Jackets seriously lower their asking price on Patrik Laine</a>