Could Patrik Laine head to the Metropolitan Division this off-season?
Patrik Laine is the Montreal Canadiens' most notable pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). After being limited to only five games this season with the Canadiens, there is an expectation that the Habs will let him walk into free agency this summer.
While Laine barely played this season, he should generate a good amount of interest if he hits the free agent market on July due to his impressive resume. He stands out as a prime buy-low option for teams looking for a cheap scorer.
In a recent article for Sportsnet, Rory Boylen predicted that Laine would sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins this off-season.
"Heading to free agency, Laine shouldn't cost too much to sign, and while his best years are probably behind him, the potential remains. That formula might fit with the Penguins for one season," Boylen wrote.
With the Penguins coming off a successful 2025-26 season that saw them make the playoffs, it could make sense for them to take a chance on Laine. If he regained his previous form, he would have the potential to be a strong fit in their top six and on their power play. This is especially so if the Penguins end up trading Bryan Rust and/or Rickard Rakell, who have both been the subject of trade rumors already this summer.
Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see what happens with Laine this off-season. If he heads to the Penguins, it would be interesting to see what he could do playing on a team that has superstar center Sidney Crosby.