Patrik Laine remains unsigned, and Andrew Campbell's Senators now have a believable opening to bring the winger to Ottawa.
The connection is no longer pure speculation. Ottawa has discussed Laine internally, putting the Senators among the clubs that have at least examined whether the fit could work.
Bruce Garrioch reported that Ottawa considered the possibility of adding Laine, even though the organization hasn't reached the point where a contract appears likely.
That distinction matters. The Senators aren't chasing him publicly, but Laine's situation is reaching the stage where a low-risk agreement or camp opportunity can become much easier to justify.
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Ottawa also doesn't have to view Laine as a complete top-six solution. His value can be concentrated around one specific area: creating dangerous looks with the man advantage.
And with training camp getting closer, Laine's leverage isn't increasing. The longer he remains available, the more attractive Ottawa can become as a Canadian market offering a real chance to earn meaningful offensive minutes.
Ottawa has already opened the door to Patrik Laine
The biggest reason this possibility feels believable is simple: the Senators have already talked about it. This isn't a destination being connected to Laine only because he remains unsigned.
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There is resistance inside the idea. Garrioch's understanding is that Ottawa doesn't fully believe Laine fits what the club is searching for right now.
But roster decisions change when cost, term and risk change. A player who doesn't fit at one price can become much easier to consider when performance bonuses or a short commitment enter the discussion.
Laine also wouldn't need to carry Ottawa's offense. He could be brought in for a defined role, used around skilled players and given offensive-zone opportunities where his shot remains the selling point.
The Ottawa Citizen framed the Senators entering the season with a direct line: “What you see is what you get: Senators ready to prove they're contenders.”
That mindset actually makes Laine more interesting. Ottawa doesn't need to rebuild around him. The Senators could simply see whether another proven shooter can add one more weapon without changing the identity of the roster.
Nothing says a deal is coming. But Ottawa has moved beyond being a random guess, and with Laine still searching for his next NHL stop, the Senators suddenly look like one of the destinations worth watching.
Will Patrik Laine sign with the Ottawa Senators?
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