Patrik Laine is among several unrestricted free agents still looking for their next NHL team as the preseason reaches its final days. NHL insider David Pagnotta expects some of those players to have decisions made within the next few days.
Speaking on The Fourth Period Pagnotta said:
“We should get word on which multiple free agents have finally found new homes over the next few days. The likes of Michael Bunting, Patrik Laine, Carson Soucy (PTO in Columbus), Vladimir Tarasenko and Philipp Kurashev are evaluating options”
Laine spent the past two seasons with Montreal after arriving from Columbus and became a UFA when his contract expired after the 2025-26 season. His previous deal was a four-year $34.8 million extension he signed with the Blue Jackets in July 2022.
Bunting also reached free agency after his three-year, $13.5 million contract expired. The deal carried a $4.5 million AAV with the Dallas Stars being his most recent team.
Soucy is in a similar position after his three year $9.75 million contract with Vancouver expired. He is currently attending Columbus’ camp on a PTO after playing under a $3.25 million AAV.
Tarasenko’s two year $9.5 million Detroit contract also expired following the 2025-26 season. He signed the deal in July 2024 at a $4.75 million AAV. Kurashev is another UFA after completing his one-year, $1.2 million contract with San Jose which he signed in July 2025.
Patrik Laine reportedly met with the Anaheim Ducks
Patrik Laine has reportedly spoken with the Anaheim Ducks about a possible contract. Finnish journalist Esko Seppanen reported through Urheilucast that the free agent recently met with Anaheim.
There is no indication that the two sides are close to a deal. Neither the Ducks nor Laine’s representatives have confirmed the reported meeting.
Laine played just five games for the Montreal Canadiens last season before suffering a core muscle injury against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 16, 2025. He had surgery later that month and was expected to miss three to four months.
He returned to practice later in the season but never played again for Montreal. Laine finished with one assist and a minus-3 rating in those five games. The 2025-26 season was his second with the Canadiens and the final year of his contract.
Edited by Sonali Verma
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