Calgary's Early Scoring Woes Could Push Them Toward Laine

Calgary has managed only one goal in each of its first three games while allowing 16, and Jonathan Huberdeau remains out of the lineup. Patrik Laine is still unsigned after several injury-plagued seasons limited him to 75 games over the past three years. The article argues the Flames have enough cap room and little risk to add Laine as an offensive boost.

Calgary has opened with three consecutive one-goal outputs and has been outscored by a 16-3 margin, leaving a minus-13 differential. Jonathan Huberdeau, 33, is still unavailable, removing a veteran offensive option from an already rebuilding club.

Patrik Laine, chosen second overall in 2016, has yet to sign. He netted 36 goals as a rookie and 44 at 19, but injuries have held him to five appearances last season after an operation on his core and 75 contests across three years. Calgary has ample salary-cap room and little immediate pressure, making a short-term gamble plausible; a rebound could also create deadline trade value.