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NHL Rumors: 5 teams that could trade for Patrik Laine

By Brad Berreman

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on February 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on February 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /

3. New Jersey Devils

The Devils are nicely set up at center, with former No.1 overall picks Jack Hughes (2019) and Nico Hischier (2017) not going anywhere anytime soon. But scoring punch from the wingers on either side of them is a notable weak spot, and it will be made worse if they are not able to re-sign Kyle Palmieri.

New Jersey has three first-round picks this year–No. 7 (their own), No. 18 (from the Arizona Coyotes in the Taylor Hall deal) and now No. 20 from the Canucks after Vancouver’s playoff series loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. One of the latter two picks stands as a tradable asset going into the offseason. Defenseman Damon Severson and either center Pavel Zacha or an extra later round pick would be natural to include in an offer for Laine, with a first-round pick. Giving up Severson would weaken New Jersey’s own not-so-great blue line, but to get someone of Laine’s caliber it will surely be necessary.

New Devils head coach Lindy Ruff might be just the kind of coach who can push Laine to a different level as an all-around player, while he maintains his status as a scoring sniper alongside Hughes or Hischier and on the top power play line.

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