UFA Patrik Laine A Solution To The Chicago Blackhawks Injury Woes?
One option available for the Blackhawks would be to augment the forward core with Patrik Laine, who has played only 57 games in two seasons for the Montreal Canadiens.
The Blue Jackets, who also sent a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Canadiens, received defenseman Jordan Harris.
Laine didn't play the majority of the 2025-26 season due to a core injury suffered in October. However, on locker cleanout day, he let reporters know he was healthy enough to play after New Year's Eve.
"I've probably could have played pretty soon after New Year's," said Laine stunning the reporters in attendance.
Should The Chicago Blackhawks Sign Patrik Laine To A PTO?
The reason for Laine to sit out for so long hasn't been revealed by either the Finnish forward or the Canadiens organization. But for a team willing to take a risk on signing the UFA who made $8.7 million AAV last season, he could prove to be a meaningful contributor.
It's doubtful he'll make the kind of money that he was on the last contract, but that would benefit the Blackhawks, who could sign him to a two-year contract at a reduced cap hit.
He could be signed to a "prove-it" deal by general manager Kyle Davidson, and give him a chance to show he's still the sniper the Winnipeg Jets drafted in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft.
Laine has played 537 games in the league and scored 422 points (224 goals and 198 assists).
