Montreal Canadiens Patrik Laine speaks to the media during their end of season news conference in Brossard, Quebec, on Monday, June 1, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) According to reports, the Anaheim Ducks have become a potential landing spot for unrestricted free-agent forward Patrik Laine, as Finnish media outlets reported that the forward had a meeting with the club. The move adds a big name to Anaheim’s offseason picture heading into training camp.That interest comes after Anaheim settled a major contract issue with Cutter Gauthier. The Ducks have signed Gauthier to a six-year extension that reportedly is worth $81 million, which could impact the timing and financials of any pursuit of Laine.
Could Patrik Laine join the Anaheim Ducks this offseason?
Anaheim Ducks have an opportunity to add Patrik Laine, but no contract has been announced yet. Finnish journalist Esko Seppänen apparently connected Laine to Anaheim, while The Hockey Writers also referenced the report of talks between the forward and the Ducks.Laine is an unrestricted free agent and is free to speak to NHL teams directly. The reported meeting gives Anaheim a possible connection to the 28-year-old winger, but there’s no official word from the Ducks or Laine’s camp that a deal is near.Anaheim’s interest would come at a pivotal point of the NHL offseason. After qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2018, giving the organization more reason to look at additions that could help its offensive group, the Ducks are preparing for training camp.
How does Cutter Gauthier’s contract affect Patrik Laine?
The Ducks have finished the long-term deal that reportedly has been a major financial consideration. Cutter Gauthier inked a six-year deal with Anaheim, with multiple reports pegging the total value at $81 million and the annual average value at $13.5 million.Anaheim’s offense last season was built around Gauthier, who scored 41 goals and added 69 points in 76 regular-season games. He also finished with 12 points in the Ducks’ 12-game playoff run. The new deal locks up a key piece of Anaheim’s young core through the 2031-32 NHL season.Laine would be another proven scoring option to play with in Anaheim. The Finnish forward made a name for himself in the NHL for his shot and ability to put the puck in the net, so any assessment of where he lands next will have to consider offensive production.The Ducks also cleared some salary-cap flexibility recently by buying out veteran forward Chris Kreider. Kreider then signed with the Montreal Canadiens, and Anaheim used the cap space as part of its overall roster management strategy.
What remains uncertain about Patrik Laine’s NHL future?
The biggest question that remains to be answered is whether reported discussions will lead to an agreement. There has been no official word that Laine will sign with the Anaheim Ducks, so this remains part of the NHL trade and free-agent rumor mill.For Anaheim, the signing of Gauthier takes one major negotiation off the immediate offseason table. It’s unclear whether that will directly lead to a deal involving Laine, but the reported meeting has put the Ducks in the mix of teams linked to the veteran forward.