Analyst Georges Laraque Shocks NHL World: Suggests Contract Buyout for Struggling Patrik Laine
In a stunning and controversial take, former NHL enforcer and current analyst Georges Laraque has publicly suggested that a contract buyout might be the best solution for struggling forward Patrik Laine. The statement has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, as Laine, once considered one of the league’s elite snipers, has found himself battling inconsistency and injuries in recent seasons.
Laine’s Fall from Stardom
Laine, 26, has had a turbulent career since being drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016. Known for his lethal shot and goal-scoring prowess, he was once projected to be one of the NHL’s top offensive players for years to come. However, after an up-and-down tenure in Winnipeg, Laine was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021 in a blockbuster deal involving Pierre-Luc Dubois. While he initially showed promise in Columbus, his tenure has been marred by injuries, inconsistent play, and frustration from both fans and management.
This season has been particularly disappointing, with Laine failing to meet expectations. Despite flashes of brilliance, his overall performance has left many questioning whether he can still be a reliable top-line player. His hefty contract—an $8.7 million cap hit through the 2025-26 season—has also become a major talking point, with analysts debating whether the Blue Jackets should move on from the Finnish winger.
Laraque’s Controversial Take
Speaking on a sports radio show, Laraque didn’t hold back when discussing Laine’s future.
“At this point, it might be best for Columbus to explore a contract buyout. Laine isn’t producing at a level that justifies his salary, and if they can free up that cap space, it might allow them to make moves that better serve the team in the long run.”
A contract buyout would allow Columbus to part ways with Laine while mitigating some of the financial burden. However, it would still leave a cap penalty on their books for several seasons, making it a difficult decision for management.
What a Buyout Would Mean for Laine
If the Blue Jackets were to go down this route, Laine would become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team willing to take a chance on him. While his recent struggles may deter some teams, there’s little doubt that a player with his raw talent would still generate interest on the open market—potentially at a much lower salary than his current deal.
The bigger question is whether Laine can rediscover his game. He has shown in the past that when healthy and confident, he can be one of the league’s most dangerous goal scorers. But with each passing season, the gap between his potential and his actual output seems to be widening.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Analysts
Laraque’s suggestion has sparked heated debate among NHL fans and insiders. Some agree that Columbus should consider moving on from Laine and use the cap space to rebuild with younger talent. Others argue that giving up on Laine now would be a mistake, especially if he finds his game elsewhere and returns to elite form.
“This guy has one of the best shots in the NHL,” one fan posted on social media. “A buyout would be insane. Columbus should trade him instead and at least get something in return.”
Another fan took the opposite stance: “Laine is a ghost most nights. I wouldn’t be mad if the Blue Jackets freed up that cap space and moved on.”
What’s Next for Laine?
While a buyout remains purely speculative at this point, the fact that a respected analyst like Georges Laraque has floated the idea could put additional pressure on the Blue Jackets’ management to make a decision about Laine’s future. With the NHL trade deadline approaching