Report: Florida Panthers expressing interest in Patrik Laine

The Florida Panthers are showing interest in acquiring sniper Patrik Laine.

This week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman floated Florida as a potential destination saying he sees the Panthers being “aggressive in their pursuit of improvement.”

According to Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards, it’s not the first time they’ve looked into it. Richards reported Wednesday that the Panthers were very interested and were a serious contender in Laine ahead of his trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Barkov and Laine are very close friends who hang out together during the offseason and co-host a charity golf tournament in Finland. Word is, Barkov would love to have Laine in Florida and the feeling is mutual,” wrote Richards.

“Laine and the Panthers is definitely something to keep an eye on this offseason.”

Drafted second overall in the 2016 draft, Laine has had quite an up and down career. His scoring ability is ever apparent already compiling three, 30-goal seasons and 150 goals in 351 games. But his lackluster performance after being acquired by the Blue Jackets has raised some concerns.

He appeared in 45 games for the Blue Jackets this year scoring 10 goals and 21 points in 45 games.

Laine is an RFA and is coming off a two-year bridge deal that paid him an AAV of $6.75-million.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.