Patrik Laine is still sitting in free agency, and the market around him has been quieter than anyone probably expected. But the silence doesn’t mean nobody is looking. At least two teams have kicked the tires on the 28-year-old winger and are weighing whether he’s worth the gamble this season.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said clubs have checked in on Laine more than once, though nobody has been ready to jump. Calgary has explored the idea, but LeBrun said it is waiting to see more from its young players before making a move. The Detroit Red Wings have also discussed Laine internally, although that situation appears to be on hold.
One reason Laine could still appeal is the kind of contract he might be willing to take. LeBrun suggested a performance-based deal where only the base salary would be guaranteed, which would soften the risk for any team interested in adding him.
That sort of setup could make him a low-risk depth addition, and in the right scenario he could even turn into a deadline trade chip for a prospect or a draft pick. Given Laine’s age, it’s a little surprising more teams haven’t already pushed harder.
There may also be a fit issue from Laine’s side. On the FAN Hockey Show on September 28, Elliotte Friedman said Laine has a preference about where he wants to play. Friedman said some of the teams that reached out were outside the area Laine prefers, and Laine felt they weren’t the right fit.
For now, his next stop remains unclear with the season approaching. Michael Bunting signed with the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, which suggests there is still a club out there willing to see a free agent winger as an answer. Darren Dreger reported that the Flyers added Bunting because they needed a “spark,” and maybe it will take another team in a similar spot, dealing with injuries or pressure, to get serious about Laine.
Health has been the biggest issue. Over the last five seasons, Laine has played in just 186 of a possible 410 games. But when he has been available, the production has still been there: an average of 32 goals and 66 points per 82 games.
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Flyers Already Look Stuck With A Roster Problem They Created
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Philadelphias caution has left it with a familiar early-season problem: a roster that may not have much flexibility when opportunities appear. Even with injuries creating openings, the Flyers still did not lean into them for a young forward, a choice that speaks to how carefully the organization is managing its prospects and how quickly a self-imposed logjam can turn into a real issue once the games start counting. [Read more 🡒]