Patrik Laine<\/a>‘s next contract is expected to be a modest one.<\/p>\nTeams interested in the former Montreal Canadiens forward do not appear willing to spend big.<\/p>\n
David Pagnotta described the current market trend, and the outlook is not encouraging for the Finnish forward.<\/p>\n
The typical offer appears to be a league-minimum base salary, accompanied by performance bonuses.<\/p>\n
“The sense that I’m getting with respect to Patrik Laine is, teams are probably looking at him going alright, we’ll give you a million bucks and we can slap on bonuses…but if you want more…as a base salary, you’re not getting it from us.”<\/p>\n
– David Pagnotta, DFO Rundown<\/p>\n
The message from NHL teams is clear.<\/p>\n
No one wants to take a major financial risk on him.<\/p>\n
Patrik Laine faces a major salary drop as NHL teams push for a bonus-heavy contract<\/p>\n
The contrast with his most recent contract is striking.<\/p>\n
Laine was earning $8.7 million per season until very recently. Going from that figure to a $1 million annual salary is a massive fall.<\/p>\n
His numbers over the past few seasons explain the hesitation surrounding Laine, especially during the 2025-26 campaign, when the Finnish forward played just five games and recorded only one assist.<\/p>\n
His injury history also weighs heavily in the evaluation.<\/p>\n
It’s difficult to justify a high salary for such an unpredictable player.<\/p>\n
That said, the proposed structure makes sense for both sides.<\/p>\n
A low base salary protects the team, while performance bonuses reward Laine if he puts together a strong season.<\/p>\n
For Laine, this may be the best path forward.<\/p>\n
First prove his value, then cash in if he performs.<\/p>\n
This is a story worth following!<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
1 HOUR AGO|154 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Patrik Laine’s new annual salary now appears to be known, and it’s a bargain<\/p>\n
For $1 million on a one-year deal, would you bring Patrik Laine back to the Montreal Canadiens?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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