Patrik Laine has been skating in Fort Lauderdale for a while. The only surprising part is the absence of the Panthers’ captain and one of Laine’s close friends, Sasha Barkov. Both Finnish forwards were born in the same city of Tampere, often train together, and organize charity golf events.
Laine’s summer on-ice sessions make some people wonder if he will extend his stay into a new NHL contract. But he still skates in the Montreal Canadiens practice jersey.
Due to injury, Laine played only five games last season, recording one assist and a plus/minus of -3. His overall NHL stats aren’t bad: 224 goals and 422 points in 537 contests. But any coach would expect better efficiency than -75.
From No. 2 Pick to No Contract
He was named the MVP of the 2016 World Championship in Russia despite regular inconsistencies in his game. Weeks later, the Winnipeg Jets selected him 2nd overall. Laine scored 36 goals, 64 points, and a plus/minus of +7 in 73 games during his rookie season. No critic could deny his great shot and powerful skating, but signs of inconsistency and a lack of defensive effort were there. Moreover, Laine has been having some health issues throughout his 10 NHL seasons.
So, at 28 years of age, in mid-August 2026, no team is willing to take the risk. Surely, it also depends on financial demands. Laine’s previous contract expired after the 2025-2026 campaign and was valued at $34.80 million with a four-year term, according to PuckPedia.
Why Florida?
So, why did the rumors suddenly bring Laine to the Panthers’ den?
First of all, he is already here in Fort Lauderdale.
He hasn’t skated consistently, but when he does, he is the first one on the ice, gets the pucks, skates, and shoots by himself. Then, he joins a collective practice with other NHLers. One day, he spent about 20 minutes with three defensemen: Nikita Zadorov of the Boston Bruins, Mikhail Sergachev of the Utah Mammoth, and Seth Jones of the Florida Panthers. Then, he had some fun with one-on-one battles against Aaron Ekblad.
Could the Numbers Work?
Second, after Brad Marchand’s recent offseason surgery news, a small opportunity window has opened for Patrik Laine. Marchand will probably miss the start of the season, and the Cats’ management will need to make some accounting moves to free up cap space: only $34,286 are available.
There are still many questions and “ifs” left: how long will Marchand miss, will Laine demand a long-term deal, is he willing to give the Panthers (or another club) a discount?
The rumor mill has also linked the 28-year-old Finnish forward to the New York Islanders, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and now the Florida Panthers.
Let’s not forget that Paul Maurice coached Laine with the Winnipeg Jets. There are so many familiarities and details. But this deal could happen if both sides meet in the center of a bridge.
Of course, Laine always has a chance to go to his native Finland and get in the best shape before trying to find a long-term contract in the NHL.
But imagine how motivated and fired up Barkov and Laine would be if they were reunited on the same team.
Just imagine for a second.
But at this point, Laine needs this deal more than the Panthers.
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