By admin 
Former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine’s search for a new NHL home has stretched well beyond the opening wave of free agency.
As things stand, one of the league’s most accomplished unsigned scorers is still waiting for his next opportunity, but he might have a franchise waiting for him in the biggest of Montreal’s rivals.
The former No. 2 overall pick has yet to land a contract after an injury-riddled season with the Habs in which he played only five games. As training camp approaches, and after more than a month waiting, a few potential destinations have emerged.
According to the Montreal Gazette’s Herb Zurkowsky, the Toronto Maple Leafs are among five teams linked to Laine, joining the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers.
“Since free agency began on July 1, Laine has been linked to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and, more recently, the Philadelphia Flyers,” Zurkowsky wrote. “Signing with Toronto would potentially put Laine on a line with captain Auston Matthews, who was selected first overall in 2016, one pick ahead of Laine.”
The connection comes despite a difficult 2025-26 campaign in Montreal. Laine underwent core-muscle surgery, appeared in only five games and finished the year with one assist after remaining on injured reserve through the second half of the season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Still, the 28-year-old made it clear he believes he still belongs in the NHL during the exit interviews back in June.
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“I’m excited to see new opportunities and see where it goes,” Laine said. “We’ll see where the wind takes me.”
Zurkowsky: Former Canadien Patrik Laine could find fit with bargain-hunting club https://t.co/LmUsdXIT5Lpic.twitter.com/IkfVBSgpay
— Montreal Gazette (@mtlgazette) August 5, 2026
Toronto’s interest would likely depend on the financial side of any agreement and Laine’s demands. According to AFP Analytics, Laine is projected to land a one-year deal worth $850,000, but the Maple Leafs are already $2.75 million over the cap.
While Laine’s injury history could make a low-cost or performance-based contract a realistic proposition after the expiration of his previous $8.7 million average annual value deal, Toronto still has to open enough space to make room for the winger.
For now, Laine remains on the market, and a potential partnership with fellow 2026 top draft pick Auston Matthews, who went No. 1 overall to Laine’s No. 2, is still a possibility.
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This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 3:30 AM.