What Happened
Speculation has arisen regarding the potential acquisition of Patrik Laine by the Toronto Maple Leafs before the March 6, 2026, trade deadline. This idea was presented by Maple Leafs writer Jon Steitzer, who discussed the feasibility of such a move.
Why It Matters
Laine, currently in the final year of a four-year, $34.8 million contract, is set to become a free agent this summer. After undergoing core muscle surgery, he has only participated in five games this season but is reportedly healthy. The Montreal Canadiens are looking to move Laine as a salary cap dump, and Toronto has emerged as a possible destination. However, the financial implications of the new CBA playoff cap rules complicate the situation, as the Leafs would need to manage their salary cap carefully to accommodate Laine’s contract.
What’s Next
While the idea of acquiring Laine has been floated, the Maple Leafs would need to offload salary to create the necessary cap space. Additionally, Laine’s recent practice involvement, where he was used in defensive drills, suggests he may be considered surplus to requirements by the Canadiens. Other teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, have also shown interest, but their focus may shift to other priorities before considering a trade for Laine.
