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Next destination: Patrik Laine is said to be picky

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Next destination: Patrik Laine is said to be picky

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 11:09 PM ET

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Patrik Laine still doesn't have a contract lined up for the upcoming season. And with a week to go before the season opener, it's safe to assume his season won't start in September like everyone else's.

Even if he were to sign tonight, he probably wouldn't be ready to play in a week, you know…

And of course, we're wondering a bit what's holding things up. Laine may have some weaknesses in his game, but it's still strange to see that he hasn't even gotten a single tryout anywhere in the league.

Except that according to Elliotte Friedman, who discussed all this on the FAN Hockey Show, there might be a reason: Laine “prefers certain types of situations.”

And even though Friedman is hesitant to call Laine “difficult,” it's understandable that he might be (at least a little) picky right now.

Elliotte Friedman: On Patrik Laine's landing spot: I don't know if “picky” is the right word, but [he] I think has certain types of situations he prefers – FAN Hockey Show (9/21)
____
NHLRR: Earlier this summer, Laine was linked to the Islanders, Lightning, Maple Leafs, and Wild,…

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) September 23, 2026

One might wonder if all of this has to do with Laine looking for a certain type of team (playoff contender or not), a certain type of market (somewhere sunny, for example), or if he's looking for a guaranteed contract rather than a tryout. All of that's possible, you know.

That said, Laine played only five games last year and hasn't played a single game in nearly a year. As much as he might prefer certain types of situations, one has to wonder if that's a luxury he can afford if he wants to continue his career.

Perhaps the Finn is willing to accept that he won't play much (or even at all) this season if he can't find a situation to his liking. If that's the case, he can indeed afford to take his time.

But if he intends to continue competing in the Bettman league, getting back on the ice to try to rebuild his value and stay in the spotlight wouldn't be a bad idea.

In a Nutshell

– Interesting.

With a 23-man roster that currently includes 3 goalies on Puckpedia.

That actual 3.86M, when optimized, will be worth:

5M by mid-November.

7.9M by January

16M by the trade deadline.

And that's without offloading any salary in said trade.

Fans are still living in a flat cap/LTIR reality.

— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) September 22, 2026

– Oh, really?

Rick Dhaliwal: Quinn Hughes didn't leave [Vancouver] and ask for a trade because it was an “American thing” and he's doing what these Americans are doing after that Olympic team; Hughes wanted to win, he was tired of the chaos, he was tired of the circus – Oilers Now (9/18)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) September 23, 2026

– Enjoy the show.

“Sortie de zone,” Season 8 | Episode 3: Is the Canadiens Ready for the Season Yet? https://t.co/XrRsuDehbp

— La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) September 22, 2026

– Alexander Nikishin: A Possible Return to the KHL?

Chris Johnston: Re Alexander Nikishin: At some point we'll probably hear more talk about him potentially going back to the KHL; at this stage I don't think we're going to see him back with the Hurricanes; [they] own his NHL rights for the next few years – Chris Johnston Show (9/21)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) September 23, 2026

– Nice!

The Calgary Flames are bringing back their 2004 jerseys as their alternate uniforms this season!

Get ready for no calls to go the Flames' way. #Flames #CofRed pic.twitter.com/Mohq0uzI3I

— Complete Hockey News (@CompleteHkyNews) September 23, 2026

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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