Maple Leafs Emerging as Potential Landing Spot for Patrik Laine

Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made it no secret that they are looking to retool their roster heading into the 2026-27 season after failing to qualify for the postseason for the first time in a decade. Under new management in John Chayka and Mats Sundin, the duo have already made several splashes to get this team back in the right direction.

One player who hasn't gained much attention in free agency that the Maple Leafs could begin to target is Patrik Laine. The former second overall pick has had an up-and-down career thus far and is looking for a place to rebound and get his game back on the track.

According to David Pagnotta, a handful of teams have shown interest in Laine, including the frontrunner Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, and the Los Angeles Kings at one point; however, they signed six forwards to begin free agency, so there doesn't seem to be a fit with the Kings moving forward.

Toronto could be the right place for a player such as Laine, as they still have multiple holes within their top six, and with Laine likely taking a cheap contract, it could be a risk worth taking. Laine played in just five games during the 2025-26 campaign as he dealt with a severe core muscle tear injury that had him sidelined for the duration of the season.

Laine has not truly been an effective player in the NHL since the 2022-23 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he produced 52 points in 55 games, including 22 goals. Laine, known for his natural goal-scoring ability, hasn't surpassed the 30-goal mark since the 2017-18 season, when he tallied 44 goals.

While signing Patrik Laine would certainly come with risk given his recent injury history and inconsistent production, the potential reward could make it worthwhile for Toronto. If the Maple Leafs can bring him in on an affordable, short-term contract, Laine could provide the elite scoring touch their top six still lacks.