Patrik Laine remains unsigned, leaving Peter DeBoer and the New York Islanders with a possible camp decision.
NHL Forum revived a prediction made 3 years ago that Laine wouldn't play in the NHL once his contract expired.
The account argued that the longer the offseason continues without a deal, the more realistic that outcome becomes. It's a harsh assessment of a player once viewed as a dangerous scoring winger.
No retirement decision has been announced, and the post offers no confirmation that Laine is leaving the league. It does capture how quickly his market has cooled.
Laine's situation now appears to be about opportunity rather than salary. He needs a club willing to offer offensive deployment and accept the uncertainty attached to adding him.
The Islanders have already been connected to Laine through a professional tryout possibility. That path could become more attractive if guaranteed NHL offers remain unavailable.
Patrik Laine's NHL career could be nearing a stunning end
A tryout would give DeBoer a direct look at Laine's conditioning, pace and ability to help a power play before New York commits a roster spot.
For Laine, it would represent a major change in standing. He would enter camp competing for work rather than arriving as an automatic top-six option.
His shot remains the reason teams could keep calling. A club lacking finish may still see value in placing him on the flank and letting him attack from offensive-zone starts.
But the fit must be specific. Laine isn't being discussed as a checking forward, penalty-kill option or defensive specialist capable of sliding anywhere in the bottom six.
That limits the number of available jobs. Teams must have power-play space, enough cap flexibility and a coaching staff prepared to build around what Laine still does best.
The public warning adds pressure, but it doesn't decide his future. One strong camp could change the conversation and turn a tryout into another NHL contract.
The concern is that camp invitations also become harder to find as rosters fill. Every signing elsewhere closes another door and pushes Laine closer to considering options outside the league.
Laine's next move will reveal how much NHL interest remains. Until a contract or tryout appears, the prediction surrounding his future will only grow louder.
Will Patrik Laine play another NHL game?
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