The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into the Olympic break sitting in a spot few expected-second in the Metropolitan Division and holding an 85.5% chance of making the playoffs, per MoneyPuck. That’s the seventh-best mark in the league, and it’s forcing the front office, led by Kyle Dubas, to at least entertain the idea of buying at the deadline. Not a full-blown, chips-in-the-middle kind of buy, but a smart, calculated move that doesn’t derail their long-term vision.
And that’s where Patrik Laine enters the conversation.
Laine’s name has surfaced as a potential trade target, and while it might raise some eyebrows, there’s a real case to be made here. The 27-year-old winger is in the final year of the four-year, $34.8 million deal he signed with Columbus back in 2022.
He’s now with the Canadiens, but has only suited up for five games this season, registering a single assist. Injuries have been a recurring theme, and his value has taken a hit because of it.
But that’s exactly why he might be the right kind of swing for Pittsburgh.
Let’s be clear: the Penguins’ forward group has been one of their strengths this season. The depth is there, the structure is improved, and the team is playing with a renewed sense of purpose.
But what they’re still missing is a bit more pop-particularly on the wings. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are still driving play like they always have, but they’ve always been at their best when paired with a true finisher.
That’s what Laine, even in a down year, still brings to the table.
His calling card has always been his shot. On the power play, especially, he’s a weapon.
And while Pittsburgh’s man advantage has been strong overall-fourth in the league at 25.9%-that number doesn’t tell the whole story. The top unit has cooled off after a hot start, and what’s missing is a pure shooter who isn’t afraid to let it rip.
Laine fits that mold perfectly. He doesn’t need much space to get his shot off, and when he’s locked in, he can tilt a game with a single touch.
Now, yes-there’s risk. Laine’s injury history is well-documented, and he hasn’t looked like himself this season.
But that’s why this could be the right move at the right time. He’s a pending UFA, meaning there’s no long-term commitment.
If it doesn’t work, you move on. If it clicks, you’ve just added one of the most dangerous shooters in the league for pennies on the dollar.
There’s also the chemistry factor to consider. The Penguins have found a groove, and disrupting that can be risky.
But this isn’t a locker room full of rookies trying to find their way. This is a veteran core, led by Crosby and Malkin, that knows how to integrate talent and keep the group focused.
And with the window narrowing for this group to make another run, it makes sense to give them every possible tool.
Pittsburgh wasn’t supposed to be in this position. But here they are-firmly in the playoff picture, with a chance to make some noise.
If Dubas is going to make a move, it shouldn’t be a splashy, franchise-altering deal. It should be a smart, upside-heavy play that fits the moment.
Laine, with all his question marks and all his potential, might just be that move.