Pierre-Luc Dubois Traded for Patrik Laine in Blockbuster Trade

An insane trade just went down in the NHL, as the Columbus Blue Jackets have traded Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Winnipeg Jets for Patrik Laine. Laine and Dubois had some previous history, as Laine was the second overall pick in 2016 and Dubois was picked third overall in 2016. This blockbuster trade shocked the hockey world as these two franchise forwards swapped teams, as they were both disgruntled with their original teams. Laine was displeased with not getting top-line minutes on the Jets. There were several reasons for Dubois’ frustrations which included management and market. 

Full details of the trade:

Winnipeg receives: Pierre-Luc Dubois, 2022 3rd round pick

Columbus receives: Patrik Laine (26% retained), Jack Rosolvic

Even though this trade helps fill holes for both teams, this trade could end up as a lose-lose trade for the Blue Jackets and Jets. The Jets traded Patrik Laine, who has the potential to be the best sniper in the league. However, instead of developing Laine into the elite player he is expected to be, the Jets decided to swap him to fill a position they needed, center. Laine has far more potential and value than Dubois which is why even though this trade could help the Jets temporarily, it will hurt them in the future. 

Looking at it from the Blue Jackets perspective, they traded Dubois, who was showing no interest in playing for the Blue Jackets. Although the Jackets did gain value by trading for a better player, Laine may not fit the Blue Jackets well. Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has a very defensive and physical playing style which is the opposite of what Laine plays. If Laine doesn’t enjoy playing for the Blue Jackets, he could request a trade out of Columbus.

The other part of the trade is the Columbus Blue Jackets receiving Jack Rosolvic while giving up a third-round pick. Rosolvic was also unhappy with the Winnipeg Jets, not getting top 6 minutes with the team. He is now going to his hometown team and very likely could get a top 6 role on the Blue Jackets. The value of this part of the trade is fair for both sides.

We have seen the positives and negatives in this trade, but as of now. it is too close to call who the clear winner of the trade. It will be interesting to see how Laine, Dubois, and Rosolvic will play on their new teams, in their new environments.