The Toronto Maple Leafs should seriously consider pursuing disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Patrik Laine.

Elite-level players don’t become available often, especially at a potential bargain price, so the Leafs should be very interested in acquiring him.

I’ve previously discussed the potential fit of Laine with the Leafs and believe he could be a strong addition to the team under the right conditions.

As noted by my colleague James Tanner, the Leafs have the assets needed to facilitate a trade. Tanner suggests it might require a first-round pick to secure Laine, but I think a middle-round pick along with Nick Robertson could be sufficient for Columbus.

If the Leafs need to offer more, it will likely be to manage Laine’s salary, which is nearly $9 million, into their budget.

Assuming a trade is made, the key question remains: How would Patrik Laine fit into the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup?

Let’s delve into that question further.

 The Top Line

Patrik Laine could be a great fit on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. It would be intriguing to see Laine and Matthews together, considering Matthews was the first overall pick and Laine was second in the 2016 draft.

This combination could be highly effective, with Laine as a left winger and Marner on the right side, creating a formidable offensive unit.

However, there is a potential drawback. While this trio consists of three exceptionally talented forwards, none of them are particularly known for their aggressive puck-chasing, like Matthew Knies, or the former Leafs, Zach Hyman and Michael Bunting.

This lack of a relentless puck-chaser might make the Laine-Matthews-Marner line less suitable for regular deployment, especially in playoff scenarios. It could be more effective in specific game situations or against less physically imposing teams.

On the plus side, this line could help Laine rediscover his scoring touch. Playing with a world-class center like Matthews for the first time, Laine could benefit from Matthews’ defensive skills, which would relieve some of the pressure on Laine and allow him to use his speed to create opportunities.

Marner, with two prolific goal scorers like Matthews and Laine, could easily surpass 100 assists. This trio could be very exciting to watch. However, coach Craig Berube will need to devise strategies to mitigate the opposition’s counterattacks, particularly against tougher, more physical teams like the Boston Bruins or Florida Panthers.

  The Second Line

If I were Coach Berube, my initial inclination would be to place Patrik Laine on the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander.

Imagining Nylander and Laine together on the same line is quite daunting. Both speedy wingers could outmaneuver opposing defensemen with ease. To effectively contain them, opposing teams would need to deploy two fast defensemen, or risk letting them dominate the play.

Without such defensive resources, other teams would have to rely on their defensemen to block shots and hope for the best. This situation would force opposing teams to choose between focusing their defensive efforts on the Matthews line or the Tavares line, essentially making them pick their poison.

However, there are some drawbacks to this setup. Tavares might struggle to match the speed of Nylander and Laine, potentially missing out on opportunities to set them up. Additionally, Tavares might find himself sidelined if Nylander and Laine control the puck and drive the play.

Defensive concerns also arise with this line, as neither Laine nor Nylander is known for their defensive prowess. Consequently, Tavares would bear the brunt of defensive responsibilities. It remains to be seen how well Tavares could manage both offensive and defensive duties in this role.

Despite these potential issues, the significant advantage of placing Laine on the second line is that it allows Berube to strengthen the top line. A Laine-Nylander-Tavares combination could pose a major challenge for opposing coaches, thanks to the offensive boost Laine brings to the second line.

Final Verdict

The Toronto Maple Leafs cannot afford to acquire Patrik Laine only to confine him to the bottom six. While placing him on the third line might be effective temporarily, it would be a misuse of Laine’s talents. He needs to be paired with either Auston Matthews or John Tavares to make the most impact. An intriguing option might be a line featuring Max Domi, Matthew Knies, and Laine.

To maximize his potential, Laine should be positioned in a role that allows him to score, such as being the point man on the second power play unit. The Leafs have struggled with a solid second power play unit for some time, and adding Laine could significantly enhance their effectiveness, especially when the top unit falters.

If I were Craig Berube, I would pair Laine with Tavares. An experienced center like Tavares could provide Laine with the support and confidence to excel, a stark contrast to his time in Columbus where he lacked a top center and had to carry a heavy load.

Additionally, having Laine on the second line could make the idea of regularly deploying a “super” line with Nylander, Matthews, and Marner a reality, thanks to Laine’s scoring ability.

Laine is still just 26, meaning he likely has plenty of productive years ahead. If utilized correctly, he could be a key piece in helping the Toronto Maple Leafs finally push past their playoff challenges.