Trusted Pundit Claims Maple Leafs Among Teams Linked to Patrik Laine

The Toronto Maple Leafs look completely different heading into the 2026-27 season, and have made some moves that prove they are willing to do whatever it takes to get back into the playoff picture. With a new starting goaltender, a new head coach, and an almost brand-new bottom-six forward group, it seems as though they are willing to make more additions if it is the right fit.

In a recent report, it seems as though the Maple Leafs aren’t quite done making additions just yet, as they were one of several teams linked to unrestricted free agent (UFA) forward Patrik Laine, who remains without a contract.

According to Montreal Gazette reporter Herb Zurkowsky, Laine has also been connected to four other teams. He wrote:

“Since free agency began on July 1, Laine has been linked to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and, more recently, the Philadelphia Flyers. Most of those teams would make sense as destinations for various reasons. Mostly, if a club is seeking offence, the 6-foot-4, 208-pound Laine can deliver.”

source – ‘Zurkowsky: Former Canadien Patrik Laine could find fit with bargain-hunting club’ – Herb Zurkowsky – The Gazette – 08-05-2026

Laine, who is 28 years old, was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, right after the Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews. Last season, he played just five games with the Montreal Canadiens, notching one assist, but an injury kept him out of action for the majority of the season.

He has 537 games of NHL experience, scoring 224 goals and adding 198 assists for 422 points, which comes out to a 0.79 points-per-game average. His offensive strength makes him an enticing option heading into training camp, and considering the Maple Leafs could benefit from adding some scoring depth, this does make some sense.

What Does a Contract Look Like for Laine in Toronto?

The reality is, Laine will have to prove himself to earn a contract anywhere this season, so it seems entirely possible that he ends up signing a professional tryout (PTO) wherever he lands. The Maple Leafs giving him one makes a lot of sense.

If Laine ends up signing that PTO and earns a spot in their starting lineup, it is likely a one-year deal that is bonus-laden and doesn’t break the bank for the Maple Leafs. Laine is eligible for a one-year, bonus-laden deal due to his extensive time on injured reserve, meaning he could get a $1 million base salary, and have to earn anything more in performance-based incentives.

Should the Maple Leafs Target Laine?

Yes.

The Maple Leafs still need to trade Morgan Rielly this offseason, which will give them the flexibility to make additions, and that gives them the room to add Laine.

Considering how weak the Maple Leafs’ forward depth looks offensively heading into the new season, they should be all over adding Laine and giving him a shot.

Adding him on a PTO, or even on a bonus-laden deal, is a low-risk, high-reward signing for them. If he doesn’t look good or doesn’t fit well, they can release him or bury him in the American Hockey League (AHL). If he looks good and finds some confidence, while producing at a decent level again, he could be the missing piece that gives the Maple Leafs the boost they need to reach the postseason.

Time will tell, but it seems as though Laine will, at bare minimum, have another shot somewhere for the 2026-27 season.

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