Another issue in Patrik Laine’s arrival in Columbus

The swap took place over the weekend as the Columbus Blue Jackets sent Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 2022 third-round draft pick, getting Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic in return from the Winnipeg Jets and now both teams are ready to get back to business on the ice. Laine and Dubois were the second and third overall picks, respectively at the 2016 NHL Draft — and now they have traded places.

While the Jackets might be excited to get Laine into their lineup, it seems like they will have to be patient. As of late Monday night, John Shannon of Sportsnet reports that Laine remains in Winnipeg awaiting a US work visa. Once he obtains his visa he will fly on a private charter to Columbus where he will then quarantine for 48 hours. 

Both Laine, who recorded two goals and an assist during one game for the Jets this year, and restricted free agent Roslovic — a Columbus native who was sitting at home — had demanded a trade out of Winnipeg. It was believed they were frustrated by their roles on a team stacked with offensive talent.

However, it might take longer for Laine to get going in Columbus. There seems to be a lot more details to iron out before he can be on the ice with his new teammates. 

This comes on top of other details surrounding the trade, one suggesting that a rift between Laine and captain Blake Wheeler as well as top line center Mark Scheifele is what triggered the trade request.

Wheeler spoke about his relationship with Laine following the trade, but offered up little insight.

“Maybe I could have communicated a little better instead of being frustrated,” Wheeler said when asked about his role in Laine’s departure. Scheifele refused to take questions following Laine’s trade. Maurice himself only stated that he “tried to create an environment for each player where they could feel they could be at their best.” Evidently though, that didn’t fly with Laine for whatever reason.

Laine will get a chance to prove to the Blue Jackets that they got one hell of a player in this trade. We just don’t know what his first impression will take place…