Patrik Laine gets surprise lifeline as interest from suitor grows!

The Los Angeles Kings entered the 2026-27 season with playoff aspirations, but through the early weeks of the campaign, they have been one of the NHL's biggest disappointments. The pressure is mounting in a hurry even though they finally recorded their first victory of the season on Tuesday night.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading last week, the biggest issue for the Kings is not what most fans might assume. While plenty of outside observers have pointed fingers at the goaltending, the organization's primary concern internally is a glaring inability to score.

The Kings currently rank 31st in the league in scoring. Their power play has been equally ineffective, and that is reportedly the area the front office believes needs the most urgent attention.

LeBrun revealed that Los Angeles has internally discussed the possibility of signing free agent forward Patrik Laine, the former second overall pick who remains unsigned after a difficult two-season stretch with the Montreal Canadiens. However, LeBrun added that he is not confident the Kings will ultimately pursue that route, calling it merely "an idea" at this stage.

Adding to the urgency is the absence of Kevin Fiala, who suffered a serious injury that has sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. LeBrun noted that Fiala could begin practicing with the team over the next couple of weeks, which would provide a much-needed boost up front.

A Finnish podcast featuring former NHL defenseman Kimmo Timonen separately indicated that both the Kings and the Red Wings have been the two most active teams in pursuing Laine. According to the podcast, Laine himself confirmed the interest from those two clubs.

Emily Kaplan recently reported that Laine has no intention of signing in Europe.

The Kings' struggles were on full display in their season opener, an 8-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Playing in a Pacific Division that features perennial contenders like the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, along with emerging young cores in Anaheim and San Jose, Los Angeles cannot afford to tread water for long.

The real question surrounding Laine is whether he can still be the dynamic scorer he once was. He played just 57 games across two full seasons in Montreal, and his inability to land a contract before the regular season began speaks to the uncertainty around his game.

The Kings face a critical stretch on the road with decisions to make. Whether Laine ends up being the answer or Fiala's return provides the spark, something has to change soon in Los Angeles.