Flames, Red Wings Interested In Patrik Laine

Two of the NHL’s worst offenses are considering a seven-time 20-goal scorer who’s currently an unrestricted free agent. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings have had internal conversations about signing winger Patrik Laine through the end of the season.

Unfortunately for Laine, none of the conversations have turned into a phone call just yet. The former second-round pick continues to skate in Florida with fellow free agents Vladimir Tarasenko (UFA) and Alexander Nikishin (RFA). Still, recent reports have indicated he is staying picky about his next landing spot.

The Flames want to prioritize opportunities for their younger players, but so far, that experiment has not started well. Before tonight’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary has failed to earn a point through their first four games. Additionally, they have registered only six goals in those games, with two coming on the powerplay.

Meanwhile, the same is true in Detroit. After tonight’s shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Red Wings are 1-3-1 in five games. Because the Canadiens shut them out, Detroit have been limited to 10 goals on the season, with four coming on the powerplay.

Although both teams have faced offensive challenges, it remains unclear whether Laine would be an improvement. In his last 20-goal season in 2024-25, Laine scored only five even-strength goals. Calgary and Detroit both have top-15 power plays, though the sample size is small. Their offensive struggles, which have persisted for several years, have occurred mainly at even strength.

Still, neither team has much to lose by giving Laine an opportunity. Because he played in only five games last season, Laine is eligible for a performance-laden contract, meaning his base salary could be at the minimum. For the Flames, while it’s reasonable to give their younger players opportunities, they consistently place Ryan Strome in their middle six, which seems counterproductive to that goal.