Patrik Laine has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, giving Jim Hiller another intriguing offensive option to consider for his new-look roster.
Toronto is reportedly among 5 teams connected to the unrestricted free-agent winger. The New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers were also named.
The connection carries extra weight because of Toronto's need for more offensive punch. The Maple Leafs finished last season 32-36-14 with a -46 goal differential.
Laine also represents the type of reclamation swing that could carry real upside if his health and timing return.
Herb Zurkowsky outlined the Toronto possibility while noting what a signing could mean for Laine's deployment beside Auston Matthews.
“Signing with Toronto would potentially put Laine on a line with captain Auston Matthews,” Zurkowsky wrote.
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Toronto could offer Laine a fresh offensive role
Laine's latest season with the Montreal Canadiens never really got moving. He appeared in only 5 games and recorded 1 assist after undergoing core-muscle surgery.
He later said he had been healthy since mid-January, but Montreal kept him out for the second half and the playoffs. That left his next contract carrying far more uncertainty than his talent normally would.
Laine still sounds convinced he has plenty left.
“I just kind of need an opportunity,” Laine said while discussing his future.
That opportunity in Toronto would likely come with clearly defined usage. Laine's shot could give Hiller another option on the power play without forcing the winger into a massive five-on-five role immediately.
There would still be risk. Laine has dealt with repeated injury trouble in recent seasons, and any contract would have to reflect both his availability and his recent production.
But the Maple Leafs aren't coming off a season where standing still makes much sense. Adding a motivated scorer on a manageable deal would give Hiller another top-six possibility and create competition throughout the forward group.
The Laine-to-Toronto talk remains a free-agency link rather than a completed move. Still, with multiple teams connected and Laine looking for another opportunity, the Maple Leafs are now firmly part of the conversation.
Should the Maple Leafs take a chance on Patrik Laine?
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