Laine rumoured to be traded to another team to «remove the hassle of signing him.»

He defined his period as a Blue Jacket in the following way (translated from Finnish):

«I can't even stand hockey right now. [This season] was an absolutely miserable experience team-wise and personally. Only good thing is that the season is over. Everything that could've gone wrong, went wrong.»

The Athletic's Eric Stephens suggested that the Anaheim Ducks pursue Laine as a way to improve their offence. Stephens speculated that the Blue Jackets could trade Laine and leave the hassle of signing him to someone else due to the high cost of qualifying his rights ($7.5 million). He claims the Ducks will have enough cap room to sign Laine, but that it will come at a high price. It could make re-signing Rickard Rakell, Josh Manson, and Hampus Lindholm, who are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer, more difficult.

But there's no denying that Laine would be entertaining to watch in Anaheim, particularly if he could form a bond with the promising Trevor Zegras.

Stephens might mention the Ducks as a possible destination for Laine this summer, but we're sure other teams will look into it.

There's also a possibility that Laine stays with the Blue Jackets, given that a new head coach will take over for John Tortorella, who will not be returning to Columbus.

Credit: HockeyFeed