Patrik Laine expected to sign this week with three teams emerging as landing spots
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Patrik Laine is still unsigned. The Flames and Red Wings have discussed him, the Panthers are linked, and the 28-year-old winger is healthy and waiting.
Patrik Laine is still looking for a contract, and three teams keep surfacing in the conversation.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings have both discussed signing the veteran winger, while the Florida Panthers have been linked to him for weeks.
The Flames have kicked the idea around internally but want a longer look at their young players first, and Detroit has talked about it without making a call.
Laine has been skating in Florida, waiting for the phone to ring.
Why the Flames and Red Wings are interested
Laine still owns one of the most dangerous shots in hockey.
He's reached 20 goals seven times in a 10-year career, including a career-high 44 as a sophomore with the Winnipeg Jets.
The money part helps, too. Laine's last deal was a four-year, $34.8 million contract that carried an $8.7 million cap hit, and the next one is expected to come in far lower.
Since he spent more than 100 days on injured reserve last season, he's eligible for a one-year deal loaded with bonuses.
The health question and the Panthers angle
Health is the catch. Laine played just five games for the Montreal Canadiens last season after core muscle surgery, and he hasn't played an NHL game since October 2025.
Over the past five seasons he's suited up for only 186 of a possible 410 games, though he's still averaged 32 goals and 66 points per 82 games.
Florida still makes sense on paper.
Laine has trained there for months, Brad Marchand is out after surgery, and Aleksander Barkov is a close friend and fellow Finn.
His agent, Andy Scott, says Laine is healthy, skating daily and ready to help right away.
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