In Photos: Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine enjoys quality time with girlfriend Jordan and his pet Boogie with NHL future still uncertain

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been making the most of the offseason. In a recent Instagram story, Patrik Laine’s girlfriend, Jordan Leigh, posted some special quality-time activities the couple shared with their furry companion, Boogie.

The couple can be seen spending some time outdoors, enjoying the warm sun. Meanwhile, Laine had some fun rocking with this dog, Boogie, a Labrador retriever, to the tune of their favorite music.

Laine and Leigh also found time to go on a drive, making a quick stop to take a selfie. The smiling couple also teased about an upcoming project they will be unveiling later this summer. Jordan wrote in the Instagram story caption:

"Patrik and I have been with @powermovemarketing on a super special project that we are so excited to launch with you all mid August! Coming soon"

Patrik Laine and Jordan Leigh spending quality time with their dog (Source: jordanleigh.fit/ Instagram)

Laine and Leigh will have a few more weeks of sunshine to enjoy before training camp begins in the fall.

Since Laine’s public trade request, it is uncertain where he may be calling home next season. In the meantime, Patrik Laine and Jordan Leigh are making the most of the present moment.

Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets looking to work out a deal

Patrik Laine’s recent trade request opened up a can of worms for Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. As per Craig Merz of NHL.com, Waddell stated the following on the ongoing situation:

“If the options are limited or there's no options that make any sense, then we'll have to deal with that.”

The comments underscore the tight spot the Blue Jackets find themselves in. After all, granting a player’s trade isn’t as simple as making a move.

The team must also figure out if a trade makes sense given the club’s needs. In this situation, the Blue Jackets may not get a worthwhile return for the Finnish winger, given the obstacles surrounding the deal.

In particular, the biggest obstacle in Laine's contract is $8.7 cap hit, making it difficult to find clubs with enough cap space for a deal. Even if the Blue Jackets were to find a partner, and accept the return, they would more than likely need to retain a signifcant chunk of that hit.

As such, the team will need to explore options that allow Laine to get his wish while helping the Blue Jackets turn a corner this upcoming season. Waddell underlined this position with the following statement:

"We want to make a hockey trade if we can and certainly exhaust every opportunity and every team that potentially has interest."

While a hockey trade would be the best way to go, the Blue Jackets may have to contend with the fact that Laine may simply not suit up for the team next season. If that’s the case, the team may be forced to make a hard decision.

That decision may entail waiving Laine or buying him out. Hopefully, both sides can work something out that's mutually beneficial.