Patrik Laine: Nothing Concrete in Florida

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Patrik Laine: Nothing Concrete in Florida

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 4:23 PM ET

It's still unclear where Patrik Laine will play in '26–'27.

The reason is very simple: the forward is still a free agent. He hasn't been able to agree to contract terms with any National Hockey League team.

And for the past few days… there have been reports linking him to the two Florida teams.

But according to George Richards, who covers the Panthers, there's nothing concrete at this point between the player and the club.

Richards mentioned in an article that this is all just speculation for now… and clearly, we shouldn't necessarily assume that Laine will play for the Panthers next season.

The Florida Panthers report to training camp in three weeks and will likely have a couple of players on PTOs.

Who were the best players to make the Panthers' roster after starting on PTOs in the past? https://t.co/GuRDzvGOxh

— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) August 26, 2026

We know that Laine is no longer the young phenom who scored 44 goals with the Winnipeg Jets.

But we also know he's one of the few 6'5″ forwards who also possesses one of the best shots in the National Hockey League.

He's also previously played under Paul Maurice in Winnipeg… and there's a small connection to Florida: Laine and Aleksander Barkov both came up through the Tappara system in Finland.

So the two guys know each other well. And it makes you wonder if Barkov, for his part, wants to push to bring his buddy to Florida.

Because the reality is, with the Brad Marchand trade, the Panthers have a hole to fill in their top-9. And considering that Laine wouldn't cost much, this could potentially become an interesting option for the team…

Stay tuned!

In a nutshell

– Meh.

What do you think of the Nashville Predators' top 6? pic.twitter.com/9dfPLgTlC3

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) August 26, 2026

– He's going to be good.

Seventeen-year-old MICHAL LAZOVSKÝ made his debut today with the Oceláři's A team.

And he did a fantastic job, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist to the 5-1 win over Kometa.

He put on an aggressive, confident performance and even played on the power play. Keep it up pic.twitter.com/lBUMZqhJ2X

— Tonda Wawrzacz (@TondaWawrzacz) August 26, 2026