Is Patrik Laine Florida bound as trade talks heat up?

As the NHL season approaches, it appears that Patrik Laine's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets is coming to a close. The Finnish forward, who recently completed his time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, is expected to be on a new team for the start of the 2024-2025 season.

Laine entered the Player Assistance Program in January after suffering a broken clavicle in mid-December during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now cleared to resume his NHL career, Laine is ready to hit the ice once more.

According to George Richards of Florida Hockey Now, the Florida Panthers are a likely destination for Laine. Richards notes that while a deal isn't imminent, the Panthers seem poised to secure Laine before the season starts.

The primary delay in Laine's trade has been due to his participation in the assistance program, which restricted teams from speaking with him directly. Additionally, Laine's significant cap hit of $8.7 million over the next two years complicates potential trades, as few teams can absorb that salary without confirmation of his health and readiness to contribute.

A move to the Panthers could be ideal for Laine. He has strong connections with several players on the team, including Sasha Barkov, Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Niko Mikkola. Additionally, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice was Laine's coach for the first four seasons of his career, a period during which Laine scored 138 goals.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has publicly stated that the team is seeking a trade for Laine. Both parties seem eager to part ways, and Waddell's openness about exploring trade options suggests that Laine's departure is a priority for the Blue Jackets.

While the exact timeline and destination for Patrik Laine's trade remain uncertain, it's clear that his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets is ending. As the 2024-2025 NHL season approaches, Laine is expected to join a new team, with the Florida Panthers emerging as a strong contender for his next chapter. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining where Laine will continue his NHL career.

Source: Florida Hockey Now
PANTHERSLaine Is On the Trade Market. He Has Ties to the Florida Panthers