Yle: Ismo Lehkonen raised one option above all others for Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine is still without an NHL contract. Yle Urheilu’s expert Ismo Lehkonen believes that the 28-year-old forward will find a new team and highlights one option that could suit the Finn particularly well.

According to Lehkonen, Laine’s contract situation may not be resolved until the NHL teams’ training camps begin. At that time, teams can assess the final status of their rosters and any potential needs.

– I thought that Laine’s contract negotiations would coincide with the start of training camps. That’s when teams count their healthy players and see if there is any kind of gap for such a player, hockey expert Lehkonen says.

Lehkosen does not consider a try-out contract to be the most likely solution for Laine. According to him, the forward can aim for a longer contract, as there are already proofs of goals in the NHL.

– He is probably looking for a somewhat longer contract. He may not agree to any try-out contracts with his agent, as he has already proven that he can score in that league.

Lehkosen highlighted one team above others

One of the options highlighted by Lehkonen is the Tampa Bay Lightning. Laine’s shot and power play skills could fit very well into the team’s playing style and power play setups.

– That would be a perfect place for Laine. As a playmaker Nikita Kucherov, then there is Jake Guentzel, and on the blue line Victor Hedman. In terms of power play skills, it would be a great fit. But how about 5v5 play, since Tampa also plays quite a fast-paced style of hockey?

According to Lehkonen, playing at even strength poses a question mark. Laine’s strengths are his shot and power play performance, but he has had issues in his performances in 5v5 play.

From the perspective of NHL teams, another essential factor relates to Laine’s condition when he arrives at training camp.

– The team needs assurance that Laine is in really good shape, has used the summer for training, and has gotten his body and mind in order, Lehkonen emphasizes.

– Since there are all kinds of potential threats along the way.

The structure of the contract may also be significant. Laine has been hinted at a contract that includes performance bonuses, and additionally, the salary cap situation of the teams affects what options are available to him.

– It comes down to what the salary cap situation is in the team. Is there room for the net to actually shake, and will the team then be in trouble because of that.

Laine’s next NHL destination is still open, but in Lehkonen’s view, Tampa Bay stands out as a favorable option, especially due to power play performance.