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Ducks Must Prioritize Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine Trade amid Latest NHL Rumors

The flood of NHL offseason activity has slowed to a trickle, and few notable names are still available in either the free-agent or trade markets. However, one big domino has yet to fall in the form of Columbus Blue Jackets wing Patrik Laine.

Laine, the second overall pick in the 2016 draft, notified Columbus that he'd prefer a change of scenery in the spring. However, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in an effort to focus on his mental health in January, which made trade talks difficult—teams were unable to contact Laine directly while he was in the assistance program.