NHL Trade Rumors: Patrik Laine Linked To Panthers

George Richards of Florida Hockey Now has linked Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine to the Florida Panthers, highlighting several connections that could make a future move plausible. 

Laine, who recently exited the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and has reportedly requested a trade from the Blue Jackets, has been training in South Florida. 

He shares close relationships with Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and other Finnish players on the team, such as Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola. 

Moreover, Laine's most productive seasons in the NHL were under coach Paul Maurice in Winnipeg, who now coaches the Panthers.

Patrik Laine scores the @BlueJacketsNHL's first goal of the season just 11 seconds into the second period!

1-0 #CBJ pic.twitter.com/g2y6ASmeh6

— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) October 13, 2022

Despite these strong connections, Richards does not foresee an immediate move due to financial constraints. 

Laine has two more seasons remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $8.7 million, while the Panthers only have $766K of cap space for the 2024-25 season. 

This significant cap hit makes it challenging for the Panthers to accommodate Laine without offloading substantial salary. Therefore, a trade in the near future appears unlikely unless Florida can manage its salary cap situation more effectively.

Patrik Laine’s goal in the 3rd period is tonight’s @FanaticsBook GOAL OF THE GAME! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/D9kFS7mkkt

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 13, 2023

However, Richards suggests that a future move could become more plausible when Laine becomes a free agent in two years. 

At just 26 years old, Laine still has plenty of hockey ahead of him, and a reunion with Maurice in Florida remains an intriguing possibility. 

While the current financial situation prevents an immediate trade, the connections and potential fit make Laine's future with the Panthers a scenario worth monitoring.

Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports