Patrik Laine’s name is back in the Toronto Maple Leafs conversation, and this time it comes with a small but noticeable social media breadcrumb.
The free-agent winger is still without a team after his contract expired over the summer, but over the weekend he appeared to signal some interest in Toronto by following newly signed Leafs defenseman Nick Blankenburg on X, according to NHL Follow Track. Blankenburg had come to the organization on a PTO and played well enough to earn a one-year deal.
That alone doesn’t mean Laine is headed to Toronto. It does, though, show he’s keeping an eye on the Maple Leafs’ roster.
Laine has already been linked to Toronto as a low-cost option, the kind of move that wouldn’t require a major commitment. The idea is straightforward: if he finds his old 40-goal form, the Leafs get a steal; if not, the risk stays manageable. And there’s a built-in wrinkle here, too - Laine was taken second overall behind Auston Matthews.
Laine’s time with the Montreal Canadiens had a strong peak two seasons ago, particularly on the power play, but injuries derailed that stretch and the Canadiens moved on.
A new contract for Laine may be close. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes it could happen this week, and he also noted that several free agents are still weighing their next moves, including Michael Bunting, Carson Soucy, Vladimir Tarasenko and Philipp Kurashev.
For Toronto, timing matters. The Leafs are trying to finish sorting out their roster later today, and that could open the door for additional signings later in the week once the picture gets clearer.
Still, a Laine decision does not appear to be imminent today. Toronto has other priorities to handle first.
The Leafs open Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens.
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Hiller pointed to turnovers in the defensive zone as one of the rougher signs of the evening, and it was clear the Leafs are still in that early-stage rhythm where timing and trust are a little off. He stressed that the team is working to build chemistry on and off the ice, and that some of the growing pains are part of the process as players settle into their roles. For a fan base watching every shift closely, the concern is less about one loss than about how long it takes for the group to start looking connected. [Read more 🡒]
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For Toronto, the broader market around the league is worth watching because it keeps moving pieces into play. Ryan OReilly is being floated as a possible trade candidate out of Nashville as he enters the final year of his contract without an extension expected, while Toronto has already shown a willingness to pay up when it wants a player badly, landing Marchenko from Columbus after offering Matthew Knies and other assets. Montreal reportedly balked at Columbuss ask for a more impactful piece, which helped clear the path for the Leafs to win the bidding. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Attack Gets An Immediate Test In One Debut
Kirill Marchenko is stepping straight into the spotlight for the Maple Leafs, with his Toronto debut coming against the Canadiens in the season opener. Acquired from the Blue Jackets in a trade that also brought Miles Wood to Toronto and sent Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz to Columbus, Marchenko arrives as a 26-year-old right winger entering his fifth NHL season with a reputation for adding both scoring touch and responsible play.
For Toronto, the timing makes the move even more interesting because there is no easing into things when Montreal is the opponent and the games begin to count right away. Marchenkos fit on the attack will be one of the early storylines to watch, especially with the Leafs hoping the new pieces can help reshape the lineup after a significant swap with Columbus. [Read more 🡒]