Voracek has seen consistent time this preseason on a line with Patrik Laine, and the duo has combined for two goals and seven points in two exhibition games, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. "It's obviously been fun to play with him and just try to kind of build chemistry," Laine said after Monday's win over the Sabres. "I felt like we had some good looks right away when we got put together (in training camp) and (we're) still learning about each other, how we play."
One of the motivating factors for Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen in making the offseason trade that sent Cam Atkinson to the Flyers for Voracek was the desire to find a player who was a better fit as a linemate for Laine, as the young sniper floundered badly in his first season with the Jackets without much support. The 32-year-old Voracek's best days are probably behind him, but he still recorded 78 assists and 99 points in 122 games over the last two seasons, and his distribution skills could be just what Laine needs to regain at least some of his swagger.