Free agent forward Patrik Laine has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past few months, but now, it appears as though he is going elsewhere.
Patrik Laine has had his fair share of ups and downs over the past few years. While he did show immense promise with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2024-25 season, injuries got the best of him.
He barely played last season, and when he became a free agent, numerous teams showed interest, including the Toronto Maple Leafs. As late as last week, that interest was rumored to be mutual.
However, reporter Antti Makinen has revealed that only two teams are trying to sign Laine right now. Those two teams are the Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings.
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The Kings and the Red Wings are two teams that are in need of some cheap firepower, which is exactly what Patrik Laine provides.
He is a low-risk option for both of those teams, especially since he isn't the kind of guy who would demand a particularly large salary.
What does this mean for the Toronto Maple Leafs
All of this essentially confirms the fact that the Maple Leafs are out on Laine. After trading for Kirill Marchenko, it seems like the Leafs feel as though it's a redundant move.
While Laine could potentially get an inexpensive deal, he just doesn't fit into the Maple Leafs lineup. The top-six is cemented, and the third line is absolutely rocking, with Easton Cowan becoming revelatory.
Acquiring Laine was always going to be a bit of a long shot, even if the Leafs were considered to be among the finalists for the winger.
Now, Laine will be going to a team that truly wants him, while the Leafs avoid what could have been a particularly unfortunate mistake.
The NHL season is in full swing, and now, free agents are finally starting to find homes. It just goes to show that teams find out what they're missing fast after a couple of losses.
Will the Toronto Maple Leafs regret not pursuing Patrik Laine?
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