IL: Teemu Selänne raised a surprising option for Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine’s NHL career may still take a new turn. Hockey legend Teemu Selänne believes that the 28-year-old Finn still has the opportunity to continue in the NHL.

Laine has been without a contract since the beginning of July. New teams mentioned include the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

According to Selänne, Laine still has the chance to return to the NHL if the forward himself wants to continue his career in North America.

– Yes, Patrik will probably get some kind of opportunity if he wants to, Selänne said to Iltalehti.

Laine’s last season with the Montreal Canadiens was very short due to injury. He played only five NHL games and recorded one assist in those games.

However, Selänne does not see the Finnish player’s potential as lost during the difficult recent years.

– It has been tough, but Pat has all the potential to be a star in the NHL. Hopefully, the guy is in good shape both mentally and physically and gets a good opportunity, Selänne stated.

Selänne also assessed that Laine may have been preparing well in advance for the upcoming season.

– I have a feeling that he has been training well and preparing to be ready to play when the call comes. Of course, I just wish him all the best.

In addition to Laine’s potential new team, Selänne also highlighted the kind of role in which the Finn could best showcase his skills.

– In my opinion, such a guy would fit into any team. But of course, he needs to play with a player who sees the game well and can feed him good passes. There are definitely many teams like that.

When the conversation turned to the Anaheim Ducks, Selänne quickly mentioned the team as a possible option.

– Anaheim would certainly be one of those.

The Anaheim Ducks is a familiar organization for Selänne. He won the Stanley Cup with the team in 2007 and still works behind the scenes for the Ducks.

Laine still has time to find a new NHL team before the start of the season. The NHL preseason begins on September 20, and the regular season starts on September 30.

Read more