Trade Rumor: Patrik Laine Linked to Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are a team to watch this offseason as there's been some chatter to expect a blockbuster move from the Sunshine State. One name that's now been linked to the team is Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, had this to say in his weekly column 31 Thoughts:

I’m curious to see if Florida asks about Patrik Laine. He and Aleksander Barkov have a good relationship. The Panthers are expected to be aggressive in pursuit of improvement.

Everyone and their mother should know Laine is not likely to re-sign in Columbus long-term and wants to hit the open market. The 23-year-old is a restricted free-agent and could be part of a sign-and-trade with the Panthers. 

If the Panthers are willing to give up their first-round pick and 22-year-old forward Owen Tippett,  it could certainly get the Blue Jackets to stay on the line. This one will be curious to watch as the Blue Jackets have been linked to a couple of massive deals including moving Laine and acquiring Jack Eichel. Perhaps a mega three-way deal goes down this offseason.

Photo credit:  Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports