The Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams, are reportedly interested in signing Patrik Laine. Here's why the Leafs might be the most intriguing destination for the 28-year-old.
Recently, there have been reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in acquiring Patrik Laine, who is currently a UFA awaiting a new contract.
Further to the report from the Montreal Gazette's Herb Zurkowsky, Laine has been linked to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers, in addition to the Maple Leafs.
Therefore, if that report is accurate, there is some competition for the Finnish sniper. If the Leafs are really keen on getting Laine, here's what makes them the most intriguing destination for him.
Andy O'Brien has been one of the most recent hires that the Maple Leafs have made this off-season. O'Brien earned the role of vice president of sport science and will oversee sport science, strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation, nutrition and mental performance.
Why should this matter to Laine? He has an injury-riddled past, and 2025-26 was a prime example.
Laine only played five games with the Montreal Canadiens this past season. He was diagnosed with a core muscle injury and missed several months following surgery. His last game in the NHL was on Oct. 16, a 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators in which he saw 12:10 of ice time.
The 28-year-old revealed at his end-of-season media availability that he wasn't injured at the end of the campaign, suggesting that he's ready for NHL action again. Still, he hasn't played a full season since 2018-19. In fact, in the past three campaigns, Laine has only featured in 75 regular-season games from a possible 246.
It's clear that Laine is injury-prone, and with O'Brien looking after the health of the players, it could be in Laine's best interest to build and strengthen his body effectively to prevent long-term injuries. And that resource may not be as premium anywhere else in the league as it is in Toronto now.
Aside from his bad luck with injuries and health, another weakness to Laine's game is on the defensive side. O'Brien may not be able to help him with that, but improving Laine's mobility off the ice and injury rehabilitation could help in that aspect, even if slightly.
However, there is someone who can help Laine on the ice when it comes to being a defensive ally to his team if he does decide to join the Maple Leafs, and that's new coach Jim Hiller.
Hiller's previous tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings was all about defense. His team was very compact, and it was difficult to score against them.
Enforcing a defensive team system isn't the same as an individual player making an effort behind the puck. But it's fair to say that Hiller knows his way around convincing and teaching players to improve defensively.
Laine may not have an itch to be an effective defensive player, but if he wants to continue his professional hockey career in the NHL, he'll have to make an effort in that sense. And Hiller could be a resource for Laine to help him improve as a more complete player.
Beyond O'Brien and Hiller, there's also Daniel Alfredsson, who joined the Leafs' coaching staff as an associate coach.
Alfredsson, a star winger in his day with European roots, could influence a player like Laine, especially considering the Finn is looking to get back to being the player who can score 30 to 40 goals in a season.
So there are several reasons as to why the Maple Leafs should be an attractive destination for Laine. He can be assisted on and off the ice effectively, which could not only boost his performance for the coming season but could also extend his NHL career.
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