Don Waddell: “We’re trying to conclude a trade at the moment”

All eyes are on the Blue Jackets right now.

Patrik Laine has been given the green light to leave the NHL’s assistance program, we know he could be traded before the start of next season, and we know the Habs are in the running for his services.

And let’s just say that Don Waddell isn’t helping calm the rumors right now.

The Blue Jackets GM began by praising his replacement in Carolina, Eric Tulsky… But it’s the last sentence of the following quote that’s worth sharing.

Because clearly, Waddell is trying to make a move:

We’re trying to make a trade right now. – Don Waddell

Waddell also endorsed Tulsky, who took over as general manager.

“Eric’s the brain,” Waddell said. “He’s way smarter than I’ll ever dream about being. … I have no doubt he’ll do a great job. We’re trying to make a trade right now, so…”

– Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) August 1, 2024

Obviously, the goal for Don Waddell is to find a dance partner to suit the Finnish forward’s wishes.

That said, he’s not in the business of giving him away either… Because even though Laine has struggled on and off the ice recently, we’re still talking about a nice “project”.

He’s only 26, after all. And scorers like him aren’t a dime a dozen in the National Hockey League.

Patrik Laine needs no introduction, and we’re talking Montreal in his case because he would fill a certain need in the Habs’ attack.

Kent Hughes has what it takes to get him out of Columbus, but the question is…

Is the Habs GM willing to part with a “quality” pick / prospect to get his hands on a player who’s been in the news for all the wrong reasons at times in recent years?

And on the other hand, would Laine like to play in a place like Montreal, where the pressure is really high?

Overtime

– Cole Caufield is in good company.

Among the NHL players working out this morning at USA Hockey Arena are Quinn and Luke Hughes, Dylan Larkin, Zach Werenski and Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat. pic.twitter.com/J8gkeLS2di

– Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) August 1, 2024

– New Jersey personnel changes:

#njdevils announce hirings:

Chuck Fletcher as senior advisor and Andy Greene as advisor to GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Manny Legace also joins the team as amateur goaltending scout and development coach.

– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 1, 2024