Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline.
Laine is still in the process of recovering from shoulder surgery, notes Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, with no clear timeline for his return to play.
In June, it was reported that Laine and the Blue Jackets were collaborating to facilitate a trade. His release from the player assistance program could speed up this process, as teams can now speak directly with Laine before engaging in trade negotiations. While he was in the program, direct communication with him was not permitted.
Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell stated earlier in July that there was ongoing interest in Laine, a three-time 30-goal scorer.
During the 2023-24 season, Laine was limited to 18 games, tallying six goals and three assists. He faced injuries before entering the program in January, where he cited concerns for his mental health and well-being.
Since being traded to Columbus in 2021, Laine has dealt with multiple injuries but has remained productive on a per-game basis, averaging 65 points per 82 games.
Laine, drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, was the Calder Trophy runner-up in 2017 after scoring 36 goals in 73 games. He followed this with a career-high 44 goals in the 2017-18 season at age 19.
Laine has two years remaining on his contract with an $8.7 million cap hit.
