2. Buy-Low Opportunities on Star Players Are Rare
In a salary capped league, contract value is the driving force of success. Therefore, whenever a potential superstar becomes available, who could potentially be acquired with half his cap hit retained, every team should be interested.
In a league with a draft, where star players rarely change teams, acquiring star players in their primes is very difficult, but as we've seen, it can be worth it.
Both Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart were traded when their value was low, recovered, and went on to win Stanley Cups.
Laine represents a similar type of player, only one whose value is even lower and who should be available with half his salary retained.
There is an obvious advantage to buying low on talented players. Sure, there is also obvious risk, but the rewards - having a better roster than you're supposed to be able to assemble in a league with a draft and a salary cap - can be, and often are, sky high.
Laine is not just recovering from shoulder surgery and a major nadir in his career, but he is also coming out of the NHL's Substance Abuse Program, and while he should be applauded for facing his demons and getting the help he needs, this certainly adds a risk factor to trading for him.
With the double risk of injury and addiction, not to mention a massive $8 million + cap-hit, the cost to acquire Patrik Laine will certainly be extremely cheap compared to his potential, should he get his career back on track.
In fact, I would wager that most of the value the Blue Jackets will get back for Laine will be for retaining half his salary.