NHL trade rumor: Los Angeles Kings predicted to sign former Montreal Canadiens star Patrik Laine ahead of the NHL season | NHL News
As the new season is approaching, the Los Angeles Kings could be preparing to make another move this offseason, with former Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine emerging as a potential target. Earlier, Los Angeles has brought in veteran free agents Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula, while also re-signing Scott Laughton. Now, it is also predicted that Laine will sign in the near future, and Los Angeles is a possible destination for the veteran winger, who remains one of the notable unrestricted free agents available this summer. In fact, the rumor got more attention after NHL insider David Pagnotta also mentioned about the LA Kings among the teams interested in Patrik Laine.
LA Kings are speculated to sign Montreal Canadiens star Patrik Laine as a potential target
Speculations are doing the rounds that former Montreal Canadiens star Patrik Laine has emerged as a potential candidate for the Los Angeles Kings in their offseason trade ahead of the 2026-27 season. He might be chosen for their roster to strengthen their offensive line up. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox report, he expects that the two sides will soon reach an agreement in the near future, and the former Montreal Canadiens forward would end up with the LA Kings.Not only Knox, in fact, NHL insider David Pagnotta also repeatedly mentioned the Kings among the teams interested in Patrik Laine. As per NHL Rumor Report, Pagnotta also stated, “LA tried to acquire him ahead of the deadline; they weren’t able to make that fit, but there is interest from LA; Laine would be a potential fit there.”Los Angeles Kings should hire Patrik Laine due to his goal-scoring ability and his offensive skills, and the Kings are currently in need of more offense as they struggled to generate enough offense last season in their games.In this regard, Laine could be another legitimate scoring threat rather than relying heavily on their existing core. Moreover, he could also be a relatively low-risk signing and has the possibility of acquiring him on a short-term, inexpensive contract.It is to be noted that Patrik Laine is now an Unrestricted Free Agent. His last contract was 4 years, $34.8 million with a cap hit of $8.7 million per season. His contract was expired at the end of the 2025-26 season, as per PuckPedia.Reports are also swirling around that the New York Islanders have also reportedly shown interest in Laine, but Stefen Rosner suggested, “From what I’ve been told, the Islanders did have conversations with Patrik Laine’s camp when free agency opened. I don’t believe the Islanders were willing, or are willing, to offer Laine anything more than a Professional Tryout (PTO).”Laine’s potential makes sense for Los Angeles because he combines elite shooting, power play upside, and is potentially fit for an offensive play. And if the Kings can sign him cheaply and keep expectations realistic, he could be a worth gamble for the LA Kings this season.
