Trade Bait: If the Jets trade Patrik Laine, 3 teams to watch for

All Patrik Laine wanted was to play with Winnipeg's best players and this season it's been hit or miss, much like every other year he's been a Jet. Laine has tallied 63 points in 68 games this season, which sets him on a decent pace to break his career high of 70. However, with only one more year on his current deal paying him just under $7 million, a contract dispute may be on the horizon. In this case, the Jets will look to move the offensive talent. Today, Patrik Laine is our trade bait.

Laine's career high is 44 goals which he sniped in his second season and some believe the soon to be 22-year-old will one day eclipse 60. In what uniform this takes place is anyone's guess. Let's take a stab at it.

If the Winnipeg Jets move on from Patrik Laine, these are three teams to keep an eye on:

Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes continue to have dialogue with Taylor Hall's agent, however, there is no guarantee a deal gets done. Even if it does, the 'Yotes are desperate for scoring punch as Phil Kessel isn't cutting it and not getting any younger. Throw in Laine to their mix and things could get interesting. The Coyotes have the young flux of talent to meet the needs of Winnipeg and give it another year and who knows, maybe Jakob Chychrun becomes available. Imagine this dream scenario for Arizona, they trade for Laine and extend him for another 7 years, and in 4 years when Auston Matthews is a free agent.......

Montreal Canadiens: Would the Habs move on Nick Suzuki? Noah Juulsen? Victor Mete? These two teams have been linked for a couple of years now and Laine's name has been one of the names front and center. The Bell Centre would love the flashy goals, but could Laine handle the noise when things aren't going so well? Risky move for sure, but so is trading a 22-year-old who has potential to score 60 goals. The Jets are going to want young NHL talent in return, Suzuki fits the bit. Marc Bergevin takes a bunch of heat, but if you look at his trade record, he wins a lot of deals. Could he win this one?



Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel was yesterday's trade bait, however, if Buffalo can turn things around next year, their ownership will add talent. The Jets and Sabres have a long history of making some big deals and this one could be the next one up. Is Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen too much? Those two names would be priority #1 for the Jets in a Laine deal to the Sabres. This deal could go from 1 for 1, easily to a much bigger package.

Patrik Laine is going to be all over Trade Bait lists until he signs a long term extension. The 2-year-deal gave Winnipeg a chance to see if they want to keep Laine in the fold. Keep an eye on the first 30 games next season to see how Laine is producing and if he's in Coach Maurice's dog house. If Laine isn't playing a 200-foot game, expect the Jets to tell him to hit the road.