Why the Florida Panthers Are Not Pursuing a Trade for Patrik Laine

George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports that with Patrik Laine having two years left on his contract at a significant $8.7 million, the Florida Panthers are unlikely to make a move for him. The Panthers, focused on strengthening their roster while managing finances, do not view Laine as a fit for their current strategy.

Interestingly, Laine trains in South Florida and shares a friendship with Aleksander Barkov, as well as connections with other Finnish players on the Panthers like Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Niko Mikkola. Having previously played four seasons under coach Paul Maurice in Winnipeg, Laine showcased his scoring ability with 138 goals. While he may not be donning a Panthers jersey at this moment, his age of just 26 means that a potential future opportunity could arise as he approaches unrestricted free agency.

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Exploring the Open Coaching Position for Columbus Blue Jackets and the Future of Patrik Laine’s Contract

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic highlights that the Columbus Blue Jackets currently have an opening on their coaching staff. Newly appointed head coach Dean Evason will have the opportunity to bring in a couple of assistant coaches. This could put the positions of current coaches Jared Boll, Steve McCarthy, and Mark Recchi at risk if Evason decides to make significant changes.

Cole Sillinger stands as the last remaining restricted free agent (RFA) for the Blue Jackets. General Manager Don Waddell has indicated that discussions regarding Sillinger’s contract have been fruitful, assuring fans that an agreement will “100 percent get done.” This is a positive sign for the team as they look to solidify their roster moving forward.

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When considering the financial aspects of trading Patrik Laine, only six teams currently possess the salary cap space necessary to absorb his entire $8.7 million cap hit for the upcoming season. These teams include the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes (prior to Martin Necas’s re-signing, which left them with $6.44 million in space), Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, and the Utah Hockey Club. If the Blue Jackets choose to retain salary or seek a player in return, the number of interested teams more than doubles, with the Ducks and Hurricanes emerging as frontrunners, while the Montreal Canadiens could be an intriguing wildcard option.