Patrik Laine appeared only in a handful of games during the 2025-26 season because of injury issues, raising questions about his durability (Credit: Getty Images) As the Detroit Red Wings enter training camp looking for ways to improve their offense, veteran NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has linked free-agent forward Patrik Laine as a way to do so. The suggestion comes as the Red Wings attempt to address their scoring issues heading into the 2026-27 season. Detroit ranked 22nd in the NHL in scoring last season, while its five-on-five production remains an area of concern. LeBrun has floated the idea while sharing Max Bultman’s training camp observations, which included Detroit’s need to generate more scoring at five-on-five.
Detroit Red Wings linked to Patrik Laine as potential option amid scoring concerns
The Detroit Red Wings are searching for additional offensive force as they start their training camp, and meanwhile, an NHL insider has linked the club to forward Patrik Laine as a potential option for the club to bolster their team ahead of the start of their campaign. The idea was raised by NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, who questioned whether Laine could be a fit in Detroit.LeBrun’s comment came while discussing the Red Wings’ need to improve their five-on-five scoring ahead of the 2026-27 season. He took to his X account and stated, “I wonder about Patrik Laine as a possible fit in Detroit?”It is important to note that Laine is currently an unrestricted free agent as his $34.8 million contract expired of 4-years. The 28-year-old winger has established himself as a dangerous offensive player during his NHL career, scoring 224 goals and recording 422 points in 537 regular-season games.According to reports, Laine has scored the 44-goal mark during the 2017-18 season with the Winnipeg Jets. The forward also scored 20 goals in 52 games for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2024-25 season, with 15 of those goals coming on the man advantage, which makes him the potential candidate. However, there are questions about Laine’s availability that became an issue last season.Laine appeared in only five games and registered one assist before undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury. He has reportedly returned to full health and participated in offseason games involving NHL players. Despite those concerns, Laine’s scoring history could make him an intriguing low-risk opportunity for Detroit.Meanwhile, reports suggest that Detroit already has established offensive players such as Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat. The team also added Viktor Arvidsson during the offseason, while Patrick Kane returned to the Chicago Blackhawks after recording 57 points with Detroit last season.The Red Wings are currently operating under interim general manager Shawn Horcoff as the organization continues its search for a permanent hockey operations leader. Detroit’s official training camp roster contains 49 players, including 28 forwards as of now.