The Detroit Red Wings are trying to put together a roster that can take them to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2027. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun thinks that winger Patrik Laine would be a good fit for Detroit.
âÂÂI wonder about Patrik Laine as a possible fit in Detroit?â LeBrun posted to X, formerly Twitter.
Laine is an unrestricted free agent who most recently played for the Montreal Canadiens. During the 2025-26 campaign, the winger appeared in just five games. He posted just one point on the season, which was an assist.
Before his time in Montreal, Laine played for the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets. He is an experienced skater; Laine has appeared in 537 career NHL games.
Red Wings going through some turbulence right now
Detroit is trying to move forward after star Dylan Larkin announced this summer he wanted to leave the Red Wings. He is no longer team captain.
Article Continues BelowâÂÂI asked for a trade from the Detroit Red Wings as the captain, and actions have consequences, and I understand why that decision was made, and I'm going to be professional about it,â Larkin said, per NHL.com.
Detroit has been mired in mediocrity for a long time. The franchise hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 2008.
âÂÂThe Red Wings have failed to qualify for the playoffs the past 10 seasons, the longest drought in their history and the longest active drought in the NHL,â NHL.com reported.
The goal is to make the postseason in 2027. During the 2025-26 campaign, Detroit posted 92 points.
âÂÂI wish I could say itâÂÂs as simple as, like, âÂÂLetâÂÂs play a little heavier ⦠along the boards, around the net front, screens, tip-ins, deflections,'â Detroit head coach Todd McLellan said, per The Athletic. âÂÂItâÂÂs not. ItâÂÂs not that simple; itâÂÂs not that easy. We are a good entry team. We arenâÂÂt as strong forechecking, so that has to blossom a little bit more.âÂÂ
Detroit plays an NHL preseason game on Monday against Columbus.