NHL News: Patrik Laine's Canadiens could sign former Golden Knights forward to professional tryout contract

Following last season’s playoff berth, Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens are hoping to build on the impressive performance. In order to do so, reports around the NHL suggest a former Vegas Golden Knights‘ forward could be signed to a professional tryout (PTO) contract ahead of training camp.

The Habs know the work has only just begun for them. Last season will mean nothing if they fail to replicate their success in the 2025-26 campaign. Of course, that’s way easier said than done. Making it out of the Atlantic Division in itself is a challenge Montreal can’t take for granted.

The division is home to several threats for the Canadiens and the rest of the NHL. Thus, Laine and company must rally all the help they can get. On that note, a former Buffalo Sabres and Vegas Golden Knights’ forward could be of great use for the Habs.

From Sin City to the City of Saints?

According to reports around the league, Victor Olofsson could be signed to a PTO deal ahead of the Canadiens’ training camp and preseason. That way, Montreal would take a low-risk, high-reward bet on the former Golden Knights‘ winger.

Victor Olofsson #95 of the Vegas Golden Knights during Game Two of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“When looking at the Canadiens’ current roster, it is fair to argue that they could benefit by adding to their forward depth. Because of this, one player who could be worth taking a shot on with a PTO is forward Victor Olofsson,” The Hockey News‘ Michael DeRosa stated.

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NHL News: Canadiens reportedly target Sidney Crosby’s former Penguins teammate to boost offense around Patrik Laine and company

Olofsson’s numbers

Olofsson will enter his eighth NHL season during the 2025-26 stretch. Selected by Buffalo with a seventh-round pick in the 2014 Draft, Olofsson didn’t make his league debut until 2019.

Since, he’s been named to the All-Rookie team in 2020 and tallies 211 points (105 goals and 106 assists) through 370 appearances. Olofsson didn’t experience playoff hockey until leaving Buffalo for Las Vegas ahead of the 2024-25 season. In his postseason debut, the 29-year-old registered 4 points (2G, 2A) in 9 games.

While his spot in the lineup wouldn’t be guaranteed, Olofsson could be a great addition for Laine and the rest of the squad in Quebec’s Metropolis. Whether it’s enough to call it a day in the offseason and focus entirely on the season at hand, that’s a whole other story.