The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a new forward, and one name that has been making waves is Patrik Laine. With free agency approaching, the team is looking to bolster their offensive depth, and Laine could be the perfect fit. But is he worth the risk? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of bringing the Finnish sniper to Edmonton.
A Perfect Fit?
Laine has a proven track record as an elite goalscorer in the NHL. Since joining the league in 2016-17, he has consistently put up impressive numbers, including a 20-goal season with the Montreal Canadiens in 2024-25. His shot-first approach aligns perfectly with the Oilers' style of play, and he would be a great addition to their top-three lines. With playmakers like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Laine could be the perfect wingman, providing a much-needed offensive boost.
However, Laine's injury history is a cause for concern. After an injury-riddled year with the Canadiens, he is likely to sign a cheaper deal than expected, but that doesn't mean he's injury-proof. The Oilers have seen similar signings go awry in the past, with players like Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner struggling to live up to expectations. If Laine were to struggle with injuries again, it could be a costly mistake for the team.
The Risks
While Laine's offensive output is impressive, his defensive play has been a weakness. According to Natural Stat Trick, his high-danger chances-for percentage (HDCF%) and expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) are both below average. This raises concerns about his overall impact on the ice, especially if he's not contributing on the defensive end. The Oilers need a player who can contribute in all areas, and Laine's defensive shortcomings could be a deal-breaker.
A Flare-up of Old?
The Oilers should be cautious in their pursuit of Laine. While he could be a great addition to their lineup, they shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket. If they decide to sign him, they should be prepared for the possibility of him struggling to return to form. A cheaper deal doesn't mean he's injury-proof, and the team needs to be realistic about his potential impact. The Oilers should do their due diligence and consider other options, too, to ensure they're not taking on too much risk.
A Flare-up of Old?
In my opinion, the Oilers should take a flyer on Laine, but they shouldn't bet the farm on him. His offensive output is impressive, and he could be a great addition to their lineup. However, they need to be prepared for the possibility of him struggling with injuries again. A cheaper deal doesn't mean he's injury-proof, and the team needs to be realistic about his potential impact. The Oilers should also consider other options to ensure they're not taking on too much risk. If they decide to sign him, they should be prepared to fill other roster holes and not rely on him to be the sole offensive solution.
The Takeaway
Patrik Laine could be a great addition to the Edmonton Oilers' lineup, but they need to be cautious in their pursuit. While his offensive output is impressive, his injury history and defensive shortcomings are cause for concern. The Oilers should do their due diligence and consider other options, too, to ensure they're not taking on too much risk. If they decide to sign him, they should be prepared to fill other roster holes and not rely on him to be the sole offensive solution.
