Maple Leafs Rumors: Toronto linked to low-risk move for Patrik Laine

The Toronto Maple Leafs could emerge as a surprise landing spot for winger Patrik Laine when NHL free agency opens on July 1. With Laine expected to leave the Montreal Canadiens after his contract expires, speculation is growing that Toronto may view the former 40-goal scorer as a low-risk gamble during a pivotal offseason.

The idea gained traction during a recent SDPN podcast discussion. Adam Wylde suggested Laine’s extended stay on injured reserve could create a unique contract opportunity for interested teams.

“If you can sign 28, 29-year-old Patrick Laine and his base salary is a million, but it could maybe go up to five if he scores 40 goals and plays 60 games, I think a lot of teams would take that chance,” Wylde said.

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Jesse Blake went a step further.

“I think he’s a Leaf,” Blake said. “It’s a good opportunity to go get some cheap goal scoring. If I’m Chayka, I’d do it.”

Laine is coming off a frustrating season in Montreal. The Finnish winger appeared in only five games before suffering a core-muscle injury that required surgery. He later revealed he was healthy enough to play shortly after New Year’s Day, but the Canadiens chose not to activate him during their playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final.

“I probably could have played pretty soon after New Year’s,” Laine said to the media on Monday.

Why could the Maple Leafs consider the risk?

Toronto enters the summer facing pressure to rebound from a disastrous 2025-26 campaign. The Maple Leafs finished 32-36-14 and missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, triggering major organizational changes and an aggressive roster retool.

Laine represents a classic buy-low candidate. The Leafs desperately need scoring depth beyond Auston Matthews and William Nylander, especially with Max Domi recovering from back surgery and uncertainty surrounding the team’s forward group.

A bonus-heavy contract would also limit financial exposure. If Laine struggles with injuries again, the risk remains manageable. If he rediscovers his scoring touch, Toronto could add a proven finisher at a fraction of his previous $8.7 million cap hit.

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There are legitimate concerns. Laine has played only 75 regular-season games over the past three seasons and has struggled to stay healthy. Still, for a team seeking upside without a long-term commitment, the potential reward may outweigh the gamble. As Blake noted, “If I’m Chayka and there’s an opportunity to get him, I would do it.”