It's late September. Teams are already reporting to training camp. Even the Detroit Red Wings, despite their best efforts, are threatening to play hockey again.
Despite all the excitement at camp across the NHL, former second overall pick Patrik Laine is still a free agent. On paper, it's somewhat of a shock. He's only 28 years old and is just two seasons removed from 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games. What gives?
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic has the same question while positing a head-scratcher of an answer: what if the Red Wings target Laine?
I wonder about Patrik Laine as a possible fit in Detroit ? https://t.co/4NsapYA6zx
September 19, 2026Why signing Laine makes no sense
The biggest red flag with Laine has nothing to do with his production or defensive issues: it's his health. Laine hasn't played a full NHL season since 2018-19, where he put up 50 points in 82 games. Since then, he's struggled on and off with injuries, occasionally (somewhat) returning to form by potting anywhere from 20-28 goals in a season.
Last year, Laine spent the majority of the season on injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery in October 2025.
Even without injuries, Laine doesn't solve any of the issues the Red Wings faced last season. Laine's production comes primarily from the power play, an area in which Detroit has performed admirably. Where the Red Wings struggle the most comes in the form of even-strength scoring. This, in turn, is why they've brought in Viktor Arvidsson, a player that scores extremely well at 5v5 and even-strength.
Laine offers more of the same: effective power play scoring, but not a whole lot beyond that
Signing Laine blocks off prospects
Additionally, bringing Laine into the fold will block prospects from making their leap to the NHL. If interim General Manager Shawn Horcoff's comments are to be believed, the team is expecting a lot of competition for roster spots among prospects and veterans.
If that's the case, what would be the value in bringing Laine into the fold? He would almost certainly block a prospect like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard or Carter Bear from taking the leap. Even if he's injured at some point in the season (which seems almost inevitable, given his history), all this does is send a message to the prospects that they aren't good enough to beat a power play specialist.
Sooner or later, you need to let the prospects take their shot at the NHL level. Signing a veteran at this point in the offseason with no injuries to worry about (besides Dylan Larkin's) is a waste of everyone's time.
At best, Laine returns to form and puts together a decent enough 15-20 goal season as a power play specialist. At worst, he fails to produce (or is immediately injured). There's just no benefit at this point in Detroit's rebuild to bring Laine onto the roster.
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