The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly still keeping an eye on veteran forward Patrik Laine as the 2026–27 NHL season approaches. According to a report from Heavy, Toronto remains among the teams linked to the former second-overall pick, although there is currently no reported agreement or advanced negotiation between Laine and the Maple Leafs.
Laine entered unrestricted free agency after completing his four-year, $34.8 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens, which carried an $8.7 million annual average value. The 28-year-old remains one of the more recognizable unsigned forwards on the market.
The attraction for Toronto is obvious. Laine has established himself as a dangerous goal scorer when healthy, recording 422 points in 537 NHL games. He has also twice reached the 40-goal mark, including a career-high 44 goals during the 2017–18 season with the Winnipeg Jets.
However, injuries are a major part of the equation. Laine appeared in only five games for Montreal during the 2025–26 season before being sidelined. He has since indicated that he is healthy and ready to return, but teams are understandably cautious about making a significant commitment.
For Toronto, the biggest obstacle could be the salary cap. The Maple Leafs currently have very limited flexibility, meaning general manager John Chayka would have to find a way to create room before bringing Laine aboard. One possibility discussed in the report involves using long-term injured reserve if Max Domi’s situation requires it.
The encouraging part for Toronto is that Laine may not command anything close to his previous $8.7 million cap hit. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston previously projected that Laine could land a one-year contract below $1 million, which would make the move considerably more realistic for a cap-constrained team.
Toronto could also have a strong hockey reason for pursuing him. Laine’s shooting ability and power-play experience could provide another weapon for a Maple Leafs offense that has undergone substantial changes this offseason. His presence could also provide additional scoring support around young talent such as Gavin McKenna.
The Maple Leafs aren’t alone in showing interest. Dallas, Florida and Tampa Bay have also been linked to Laine, while Ottawa is reportedly no longer viewed as a fit. That means Toronto could face competition if Laine’s asking price becomes more management.
Ultimately, this remains an interest story rather than a done deal. Toronto has reportedly kept Laine on its radar, but the club still needs to solve its cap situation and determine whether the veteran’s upside outweighs the concerns surrounding his recent availability.
If the Maple Leafs can secure Laine on a short, affordable contract, it could become one of the more intriguing low-risk additions of their offseason.
