Rumors stating that former Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine could potentially join the Toronto Maple Leafs may be more than just an offseason anecdote.
According to an August 5 report by Herb Zurowsky of the Montreal Gazette, the former second-overall pick could be looking to join the Leafs this summer. In the report, Zurowsky named five teams as interested parties in Laine. In addition to the Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, and New York Rangers have also kicked the tires on Laine.
Zurowsky’s rationale for signing Laine boils down to the potential offensive upside the 28-year-old offers, injury history notwithstanding. What does seem surprising is the lineup spot that Zurowsky suggested Laine could take up in Toronto.
“Signing with Toronto would potentially put Laine on a line with captain Auston Matthews, who was selected first overall in 2016, one pick ahead of Laine.”
Adding Laine could make sense for the Maple Leafs from a depth-scoring perspective. But to suggest that the Finnish forward could ride alongside Auston Matthews, well, let’s just say that’s a little nuts.
The idea of Matthews and Laine riding shotgun 10 years ago would have been tantalizing. But this is 2026, and times have changed drastically. So has Laine's perception both on and off the ice.
Signing Laine won’t be easy for Maple Leafs
Despite the apparent interest from the Maple Leafs, signing Laine won’t be easy. The prevailing wisdom is that Laine should sign a short-term deal, with some even suggesting a Professional Tryout (PTO).
That’s likely the answer to Zurowsky’s question regarding why Laine hasn’t signed. Laine’s camp is most assuredly looking for a multi-year deal. But that’s going to be a tough prospect. Very few teams will want to commit anything beyond a one-year deal on a massive question.
It’s worth noting that Laine is coming off a four-year deal with an $8.7 million cap hit. There is absolutely no way he’s getting anything near that. So, the path forward would be a one-year, incentive-laden deal. Given how Laine spent almost all of last year on the shelf, he’s eligible for an incentive-based contract despite being under 35 years of age.
If the Maple Leafs are serious about Laine, fans should expect him to take up a bottom-six role. Laine could look good on a third line that could use some scoring punch. Considering that the former Winnipeg Jets draft pick is a “one-trick pony”, his value is extremely limited to contending teams.
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