Patrik Laine gets more bad news amid NHL comeback hopes
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The New York Islanders' brief flirtation with Patrik Laine appears to be fading fast, according to Stefen Rosner of The Elmonters.
Rosner, who first reported that the Islanders spoke with Laine's camp when free agency opened, says a deal now looks increasingly unlikely.
As the offseason winds down, maybe Patrik Laine's camp is willing to take a PTO; maybe the Islanders circle back. But as of right now, I don't think it's going to happen.
The update caps off a bizarre summer for Laine, who remains one of the most talented players still unsigned in free agency.
The 28-year-old winger, a former 40-goal scorer, spent most of the 2025-26 season on injured reserve with the Montreal Canadiens, missing more than 100 games.
That absence actually works in his favor from a contract standpoint, since players who miss significant time become eligible for bonus-laden deals that pair a lower base salary with performance incentives, a structure that lowers risk for whichever team ultimately signs him.
Why New York Made Sense
The Islanders finished with one of the league's worst power plays last season, and Laine's shooting talent from the left circle was seen as a potential fix.
But New York was never willing to offer more than a training camp tryout, and interest has cooled as camp approaches.
A Thin Market Overall
Outside the Islanders, only the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings have been credibly connected to Laine this summer.
With rosters mostly set and few teams carrying cap space or power play needs severe enough to justify the gamble, Laine's path back to the NHL keeps narrowing as August winds down.
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