Story Summary
Patrik Laine remains without an NHL contract with the regular season approaching. Finnish columnists Teemu Utriainen and Jyrki Kiiski argue that a one-year deal with a low base salary and performance bonuses could give an NHL club limited guaranteed exposure while offering Laine significant upside.
The Florida Panthers are discussed as one possible destination. Brad Marchand is sidelined for an unspecified period, while Aleksander Barkov is described as a close friend of Laine’s. The writers also note that Florida are reported to be roughly US$35,000 below the salary cap, meaning further cap manoeuvring would be needed before a signing could be accommodated.
Both writers point to Laine’s power-play value and believe he can still contribute in the NHL, while stressing that his chances to re-establish himself are becoming more limited.
Key Facts
- Teemu Utriainen and Jyrki Kiiski discuss Laine’s unsigned status in a column published on 2 September 2026.
- Patrik Laine, age 28, is an unsigned NHL free agent as of the article.
- Laine has been linked to the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and Florida Panthers.
- Brad Marchand (Panthers) is out for an unspecified period with an injury, creating a possible roster opening.
- The Panthers are reported to be roughly US$35,000 under the salary cap, per the article.
- Aleksander Barkov is identified as a close friend of Laine and is the Panthers’ captain.
- Utriainen suggests a one-year contract with a low base (example given: US$1 million) plus sizable performance and goal bonuses.
- Additional team-success playoff bonuses were suggested (examples: US$1 million for a conference final, US$1 million for the Stanley Cup Final, US$1 million for winning the Cup), with playoff-games participation conditions.
- The article estimates the maximum payout on such a structure could be around US$9 million if every bonus condition were met.
- Laine’s best attributes are identified as his power-play scoring and shot; he is viewed as able to fill a supporting role rather than be a club’s primary driving forward.
IHM Discussion
With three weeks remaining before the regular season, Laine’s situation centres on risk tolerance and roster construction. Utriainen and Kiiski propose a one-year agreement with a modest base salary and extensive performance and team-success bonuses as a possible route for a club to limit its guaranteed commitment while preserving upside for the player.
Their illustrative structure starts with a US$1 million base salary, with games-played bonuses worth up to US$2.5 million and goal bonuses worth up to US$2.5 million. They also suggest playoff bonuses tied to team success and substantial postseason participation. In their example, the maximum payout could reach US$9 million.
Florida is one of the destinations considered by the writers. Marchand’s unspecified absence could create an opening in the forward group, and Barkov’s presence is presented as a factor that could help Laine settle. However, with the Panthers reportedly only around US$35,000 below the cap, the writers argue that a further roster or cap move would be required to create room.
Utriainen expects Laine to sign before the season begins and without a professional tryout. Both writers highlight his power-play scoring and suggest that, in the right role, he can still offer useful secondary offence. Their proposed deal is designed to limit the downside should he fail to produce.
Why It Matters
For clubs looking for power-play scoring without a long-term commitment, the type of contract proposed by the writers could be appealing. A low guaranteed salary with performance incentives would place much of the value on Laine’s availability and production.
For Laine, such an agreement could offer a route to rebuild his value in a defined role. The writers believe his opportunities are becoming more limited, making the next contract especially important.
The Florida discussion also illustrates how cap space, roster availability and player familiarity can all enter the conversation around a potential landing spot. None of the destinations mentioned has been confirmed.
Mini Q&A
Is Patrik Laine signed to an NHL team?
No. As of 2 September 2026, Laine is unsigned.
Which clubs have been linked to Laine?
Laine has been linked with the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and Florida Panthers. No destination has been confirmed.
Why are the Florida Panthers considered a logical landing spot?
The writers cite Marchand’s unspecified absence, Barkov’s friendship with Laine and Laine’s familiarity with Florida. They also note that the Panthers would need additional cap room before a signing could be accommodated.
What sort of contract do the columnists recommend?
They suggest a one-year deal with a low base salary and substantial performance and team-success bonuses. Their illustrative example begins with a US$1 million base salary and could reach a much higher total if every bonus is earned.
Do the writers think Laine still has an NHL future?
Yes. Both Teemu Utriainen and Jyrki Kiiski say Laine can still be useful in the NHL, especially for his power-play scoring, but they note his opportunities to prove himself are limited.
Coach Mark Comment
Laine’s clearest on-ice asset remains his shooting, particularly on the power play. A coaching staff would look to put him in attacking situations and alongside linemates who can help create pucks in scoring areas. His five-on-five role would need to be shaped by how consistently he can contribute away from the puck.
What Comes Next
Utriainen expects Laine to sign before the regular season begins. Florida would need additional cap room before any move could be accommodated, while other interested clubs could consider the one-year, incentive-heavy structure outlined by the writers. No offer or destination has been confirmed.
IHM Final View
The writers make the case that Laine could be a manageable risk on a short, heavily incentivised contract. His power-play value gives clubs a reason to consider him, but no destination or offer has been confirmed as the season approaches.