Per Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild are in the sweepstakes for the services of Columbus Blue Jackets’ winger Patrik Laine at salary retained. With less than a million remaining in cap, they would most likely need the Jackets to keep half his deal for this and next season.
From sources, the Wild are willing to part with goaltender Filip Gustavsson and forward Marco Rossi. These pieces could easily form the package of a Laine deal and get Columbus the goaltender they need. if Minnesota needs to throw in a sweetener to keep themselves underneath the salary cap, Marcus Johansson or Jon Merrill could be bait with an additional first or second round pick to compete the deal.
This gives the Wild the relief they need and a top six forward to work with Kaprizov or Boldy. The Wild would have one of the top winger groups in the league with Zuccarello, Hartman, and Foligno further down the lineup. It would get them a bit below the cap ceiling, and would give them the flexibility to give Jesper Wallstedt the time in the pro crease.
For Columbus, Rossi would give the Jackets yet another top young froward for their growing pool that knows the Evason system. Gustavsson, Merzlikins, and Tarasov would be a decent trio on the main roster. A rich trio, but one that can play the whole year with injuries. One of Merrill or Johanssson would give the club extra depth on either position. The depth veteran defense would help develop the youth. Waddell might want the first or second round pick back too.
What say you, if you deal Laine to Minnesota?
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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