Patrik Laine’s next stop may be getting closer, and the latest buzz points to a surprising landing spot in California.
According to Finnish journalist Esko Seppänen, Laine recently met with the Anaheim Ducks, the same club that just moved on from Chris Kreider. The report was shared on social media, and it adds a fresh layer to a situation that has already been quietly circulating around the league for weeks.
Anaheim’s interest comes with a clear backdrop. General manager Pat Verbeek reportedly wants to settle the Cutter Gauthier situation before striking a deal with Laine. The Ducks also terminated Kreider’s contract specifically to open up more salary cap room, with that space intended to help finance an extension for Gauthier.
That’s where Laine enters the picture. He would cost considerably less than Kreider, the American veteran now in Montreal, which makes the fit easy to understand.
For Canadiens fans, the timing gives the whole thing an ironic edge.
Laine has been unsigned since the market opened in July, even after multiple teams took a look at his situation. Ottawa explored the idea before backing away, with Bruce Garrioch noting that his profile didn’t match the organization’s needs. The New York Islanders checked in initially but did not follow up.
A few other teams were also linked to him at one point, including the Lightning, Stars, Panthers, Maple Leafs and Kings.
The lack of movement is not hard to explain. Laine played only five games for Montreal last season, and that seems to have cooled some of the broader league interest. His last full season came in 2024-25, when he put up 33 points in 52 games.
Montreal acquired him from the Blue Jackets in August 2024 in a deal that sent Jordan Harris and a second-round pick the other way.
Laine, selected second overall in 2016, has 422 points in 537 NHL games.
A situation to keep an eye on.
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