Patrik Laine could force Jim Hiller into a real lineup squeeze if Toronto turns fan speculation into an actual signing.
Laine has been floated as a possible Maple Leafs fit because his shot still offers one obvious attraction: another finisher who could work with Toronto's high-end playmakers.
There is no reported deal or active negotiation connecting Laine to Toronto. The discussion right now is about fit, and that is where the complication starts.
A short, inexpensive contract could make Laine tempting as an offense-first winger and power-play option. But adding him would immediately take minutes away from someone already in Hiller's plans.
“Somebody has to lose ice time, move down the lineup or, potentially, get moved somewhere else. That's where the Laine discussion gets interesting.”
Easton Cowan is one player whose role could be affected. Toronto also has Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons and Nick Paul occupying forward spots that make the lineup increasingly crowded.
That means the Leafs can't evaluate Laine only by asking whether he can still score. They have to determine whether his offense outweighs what another player would lose in ice time or opportunity.
And if Toronto wants Laine in a meaningful top-six role, simply pushing another forward onto the fourth line may not solve the roster problem.
“The real worry seems to be the ‘what do we sacrifice?' part, because Laine could add some offense, but it could come at the expense of the Maple Leafs' long-term plan. The team would have to change roles, push someone out, or pay big money for a version of him that hasn't shown up lately.”
One Maple Leafs player could lose his spot if Toronto signs Patrik Laine
The cleanest version would be using Laine beside stronger puck distributors, giving him offensive-zone opportunities and allowing his release to become the main reason he is on the ice.
That plan gets uncomfortable when Laine isn't scoring. Hiller is trying to build a lineup with enough depth to survive nights when the stars aren't carrying the offense.
There is also Gavin McKenna's arrival to consider. Toronto will want room for its young forwards to develop without creating a lineup where every mistake sends one of them to the press box.
The Maple Leafs could still decide the upside is worth it if Laine's price falls far enough. Adding another proven shooter without giving up trade assets has obvious appeal.
But somebody would have to pay for the move in another way. That could mean reduced minutes, a healthy scratch or eventually another transaction to clear the logjam.
Laine isn't a Toronto target simply because fans can picture his shot beside Auston Matthews or William Nylander. The Leafs first have to decide whose role they are willing to disrupt.
That's the real question behind the speculation. Signing Patrik Laine may be easy if the contract works. Finding a place for him without weakening another part of Hiller's lineup is much harder.
Source : If Patrik Laine goes to the Maple Leafs, who leaves?
Should Toronto sign Patrik Laine if it means reducing Easton Cowan's role?
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