Three teams could pursue Patrik Laine after Montreal Canadiens NHL free agency decision this summer

Patrik Laine is about to be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 following his departure from the Montreal Canadiens, along with only five games played in 2025-26 due to injury, the Finnish winger is one of the more interesting names on the NHL market because of his availability and contract flexibility.

Several teams will be keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old. Laine’s time on injured reserve makes him eligible for a bonus-heavy contract structure, making him a potential target for contenders looking to add an elite scorer with little financial risk.

Patrik Laine and Montreal Canadiens NHL future remains uncertain

Veteran forward Patrik Laine's future is still uncertain as he is expected to test the unrestricted free agency market when his contract with the Montreal Canadiens expires.

Laine only played in five games in 2025-26 but said at his end-of-season media availability that he was excited for what lies ahead. He claimed to have recovered by the end of the campaign, but his injuries kept him from doing much.

Patrik Laine would be a nice scoring option on the wing for the Edmonton Oilers. He has the elite shooting touch and power-play presence to fit into a roster still chasing a Stanley Cup run.

The salary cap is still a problem, but a deal with a lot of bonus money can make it easier to fit under the cap. This way, the risk is limited, but Laine might still be able to make more money if he gets back to his top game.

The Detroit Red Wings have lots of cap space and have said they need to score better. General manager Steve Yzerman said he’s looking to add impactful talent, and Laine is an interesting option.

The Los Angeles Kings, meanwhile, are expected to make a push for offensive upgrades, too. With the shake-up in the organization and the continued push for younger stars, adding a veteran scorer like Laine could add a different dimension.

Laine’s injury history is troubling, though, as he hasn’t been able to stay healthy regularly in recent years. But his goal-scoring history makes him one of the more intriguing names to keep an eye on when NHL free agency begins.