Patrik Laine with Russian players - now the agent reveals the situation

Patrik Laine is still waiting for an NHL contract and is training in Florida with other players without a team. The Finnish forward’s agent Andy Scott tells The Athletic that being in playing shape is not a barrier to a new start.

– Patrik is healthy, skating every day, and feels really good. He is only 28 years old, he has a lot of good hockey ahead of him, and he is looking forward to his next opportunity. He is focused on staying ready so that when the right situation arises, he can join a team and help immediately, Scott says.

Laine’s training partners include Russian players Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Nikishin, reports The Athletic’s insider Pierre LeBrun.

LeBrun is somewhat surprised that Laine has not found a team. He understands some teams’ doubts about the Finnish player’s performance at even strength, but still sees value in him.

– But goodness, he could still help on the power play?

According to LeBrun, hiring Laine would also come with a financial incentive. Last season’s long-term injury in Montreal would allow for a one-year contract with a low base salary and performance bonuses.

– The financial commitment would be limited, and it would be easy to part ways if it didn’t work out. We’re talking about $150,000 a month for a player who has scored at least 20 goals in seven seasons, LeBrun writes.

The Detroit Red Wings have discussed with Laine’s representatives. He has been talked about internally within the Calgary Flames, but according to LeBrun’s assessment, the team wants to first observe the performance of their young players at the start of the season.

The Seattle Kraken looked into Laine’s situation earlier in the summer. However, a roster spot was not found after other player decisions.