Patrik Laine remains unsigned, and Jim Hiller's Maple Leafs are now one of four NHL teams reportedly showing interest.
Ottawa Citizen columnist Bruce Garrioch linked Laine to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning as training camps move closer.
That gives the 28 year-old winger several possible landing spots after a summer in which his next NHL opportunity remained unresolved.
Laine played only 5 games for the Montreal Canadiens in 2025-26, recording 1 assist and finishing with a -3 rating.
His previous season showed far more offensive output. Laine scored 20 goals and collected 33 points across 52 games for Montreal in 2024-25.
The contract question is much different now. His previous deal carried an $8,700,000 cap hit and expired after the 2025-26 season.
Laine has four very different options
Over his NHL career, Laine has produced 224 goals and 422 points in 537 regular season games, giving interested clubs a clear picture of his scoring ceiling.
Toronto stands out because Laine could give Jim Hiller another pure shooting option, especially if the Maple Leafs can make the contract structure work.
Dallas presents a different situation. The Stars wouldn't need Laine to carry their offense, which could allow him to settle into a more specific scoring role.
Tampa Bay offers another contender type environment where Laine's shot could become an intriguing powerplay weapon without requiring him to drive an entire top six line.
Florida's reported interest puts another Atlantic Division club in the mix and gives Laine more leverage than an unsigned player might normally have this late in the offseason.
The biggest issue remains the contract. Teams interested now can negotiate from a stronger position than when Laine was playing under his previous $8,700,000 cap hit.
No front runner has been identified, and there is no reported agreement yet with Toronto, Dallas, Florida or Tampa Bay.
But four teams checking in changes the pressure around Laine. He isn't simply waiting for one club to take a chance anymore, and one fit could move quickly before camp.
Should the Maple Leafs sign Patrik Laine?
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