Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Steve Staios isn’t finished shopping in Ottawa.
The Senators’ general manager still wants to add a pure sniper to his roster, and let’s just say the message is very clear for a certain Patrik Laine.
He hinted as much during a recent appearance on TSN 1200.
Despite a busy summer, the Senators’ GM is keeping his phone close at hand, and he appears ready to sign a player like Patrik Laine.
A major development in this situation, and a major development for Montreal Canadiens fans following the Laine file.
Not a bad haul, especially for a team that was “forced” to trade its best player in Brady Tkachuk.
But the Atlantic Division is shaping up to be even more competitive than last year, and Staios knows it.
He therefore wants to add a “pure goal scorer,” a profile that obviously matches Laine.
It makes perfect sense. The team is missing a finisher, someone capable of finding the back of the net on the power play.
The free-agent market has dried up.
Patrick Kane’s recent signing in Chicago has further reduced the list of quality names still available. And the last true sniper available is pretty much Patrik Laine.
Patrik Laine’s Scoring Ability Could Make Him the Low-Risk Addition Steve Staios Is Looking For
The Finnish forward Laine should not cost much and fits exactly the criteria outlined by Staios.
The player has his flaws-no one denies that.
He is vulnerable at even strength and gets injured far too often.
In fact, his last full season dates back to 2018-19.
But his shot remains one of the best in the NHL, and he is still capable of scoring 30-35 goals per year (he recorded 52 points in 55 games in 2023).
Let’s also remember that he helped the Canadiens reach the playoffs in 2025 with his 20 goals, including 15 on the power play, in 52 games.
When used properly, he becomes an interesting asset.
A role on the third line, with plenty of power-play time, would allow him to fill the net without exposing his weaknesses.
The ideal scenario would be to place him on the first power-play unit.
Ottawa would then have two dangerous power-play units.
A low-cost gamble, around $1 million for one season.
Will Staios make it official soon?
We know Patrik Laine’s camp will push for a two-year contract, but a one-year deal is much more realistic.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Patrik Laine linked to the Senators after Steve Staios’ latest comments
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