3 Free-Agent Destinations for Patrik Laine

The NHL's free-agent market was on fire the last couple of days, however, there's still some very talented players left unsigned, including winger Patrik Laine. Laine won't be returning to the Montreal Canadiens and is looking for a 'prove yourself' type of contract, short term, and laced with incentives.

The 28-year-old Laine is one of the biggest wildcards left on the open market, as his battles with injuries throughout his career has really be a damper on expectations for the former No.2 overall pick. Laine only dressed in five games for the Canadiens last season, recording one assist, however, recently it came out that Laine was healthy back in January, and Montreal chose not to play him for the last four months of the season, and the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here's three teams to keep an eye on over the next week:

Minnesota Wild

The Wild have been busy these past couple of days and with losing Mats Zuccarello to free agency, signing with the Kings, the Wild have a need for some more secondary scoring from the wing. Laine would be a nice project on a very good team and wouldn't have to be 'the guy'. If he's looking to come back, find his game, and have a legit chance at winning a Stanley Cup, he'd be wise to choose the Wild.

Buffalo Sabres

Put it this way, with the Sabres moving Alex Tuch, they have a giant hole on their right side, and it's either going to be Laine, Anthony Mantha, or Patrick Kane. Laine has a relationship with the Sabres management team, they're familiar from their days together in Columbus, so it makes a ton of sense from that angle.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are retooling on the fly and Laine would be a nice addition to their middle six. GM Chris Drury has been busy shifting around his roster via free agency and some big trades, and has plenty of cap space to fit Laine in for next season. Don't expect a long-term deal, anything Laine signs with be short term with incentives. The Rangers have close to $8 million in cap space, and two open roster slots for NHL contracts.