Patrik Laine remains a free agent, and given a glaring weakness in the middle of their lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs might just be the perfect landing spot.
This Summer, new general manager John Chayka spent $16 million crafting the Maple Leafs' middle and bottom-six. This included the signings of Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul, Teddy Blueger, Colton Sissons, and Brandon Duhaime.
Outside of Roslovic, who had 21 goals last season, it is clear that goal-scoring is a problem as far as the middle-six is concerned. With that in mind, the Leafs need to supplement some offense for a low price. Given Laine's situation, he may just be the solution.
Patrik Laine would force Toronto to rethink how it uses its middle-six scoring spots
If Laine were to sign with the Maple Leafs, there would be ripple effects around the lineup. Given his 20-goal production with the Montreal Canadiens in 52 games during the 2024-25 season, it is clear that Laine would be a useful power-play asset.
This means players like Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan would be at risk of losing time on the power play. They could also lose out on valuable top-nine minutes in the midst of their development.
Toronto's interest only makes sense if Laine's price reflects the risk
If the Maple Leafs are serious about Laine, they have to see it as a value bet and not a name-recognition signing.
The Leafs pay their depth forwards between $2 and $4 million per season. Scoring comes at a premium, which Laine provides. However, his injury history does create a risk, and it is expected that his contract will be a bargain.
Toronto's interest makes the most sense if Laine is willing to accept a low-risk structure - whether that means a modest base salary with performance bonuses or a tryout that lets the Leafs evaluate him before committing.
The Maple Leafs can offer Laine something several contenders may not: a bigger offensive role
The Maple Leafs are in a transition year of sorts, and therefore, they can offer Laine an increased offensive role. Whether that be on the power play or in the middle six.
While they may not be real-deal contenders like the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers, they can actually offer ice time. This makes the Leafs a much more attractive destination than those aforementioned franchises.
For the Maple Leafs, signing Laine comes down to one factor. Value. If the Leafs can't get Laine for a low price, then the forward is simply too much of a risk.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs get Patrik Laine?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs suddenly sign Brendan Brisson in late low-risk swing on former first-round pick