NHL legend left – then Patrik Laine was brought up: “He could fit in well there”

Patrik Laine is still without an NHL contract, even though the 2026–27 training camps are about to start. Now, one quite interesting option has been brought up for the Finn: the Los Angeles Kings.

Daily Faceoff LIVEN discussion, Tyler Yaremchuk mentioned the Kings as a possible destination for Laine. The background is primarily the weak power play in Los Angeles and Anze Kopitar’s retirement.

Kopitar played his last NHL season last year and ended his long career. However, the Kings are not looking for a new Kopitar in Laine – the players are completely different in their attributes.

Kopitar was one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL and won two Selke Trophies during his career. Laine’s strengths, on the other hand, are in the offensive zone, particularly in shooting.

The Kings’ power play has been a problem

According to Yaremchuk, this is exactly where Laine could be an interesting piece for Los Angeles.

The Kings’ power play was the 28th most effective in the NHL last season. With the combined power play percentage over the last three seasons, Los Angeles was only 25th.

– This is exactly why the Los Angeles Kings interest me. Their power play was the 28th most effective in the NHL last season. Of course, I don’t directly compare Kopitar and Laine because they are completely different players, but Kopitar still produced decent offensive numbers in his final season. His departure left a gap in the power play, so I’m curious if Laine could fit into that.

The idea is quite logical for Laine. He wouldn’t need a comprehensive role like Kopitar’s in the Kings, but his strengths could be focused on the power play and offensive situations.

Carter Hutton went even further. According to him, Laine’s new team should have a clear plan for the Finnish player.

– Someone should take him on the team in such a way that he goes straight to the first power play unit. Otherwise, what would be the point of acquiring him? He won’t provide great minutes five-on-five. In my opinion, he needs to be involved in the power play.

Hutton’s view on Laine’s current player profile was quite harsh.

– I still think he is more of a project. He is a filler player and doesn’t bring a lot of value. When you try to find a player who can play comprehensively, Vladimir Tarasenko can offer a bit more than Laine, Hutton says.

Anaheim also came up

In addition to Los Angeles, Daily Faceoff discussions also covered the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks.

Regarding Philadelphia, Yaremchuk did not see the combination of Laine and head coach Rick Tocchet as particularly effective.

– I recently saw someone on Twitter wondering if Philadelphia could be an interesting option for Laine. To be honest, I don’t see him and Tocchet as a suitable combination at all. I’m not entirely sure it would be a sensible option.

From the Anaheim Ducks, Yaremchuk found more interesting aspects.

– Anaheim has been one possible option for him. It’s an interesting thought. They of course lost Chris Kreider, even though Kreider is a better five-on-five player than Laine. They also have a significant age difference.

Laine played only five games with the Montreal Canadiens last season due to injury. Now, the 28-year-old Finnish forward is still looking for his team for the 2026–27 season.

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