UPDATE May. 4: TSM have confirmed Maple as their new starting mid laner ahead of the 2022 LCS Summer Split following reports. Maple will round out the org's LCS roster alongside top laner Heo "Huni" Seung-hoon, jungler Mingyi "Spica" Lu, AD carry Edward "Tactical" Ra, and support Wei "Shenyi" Zi-Jie.

Original story:

A report by Brieuc Seeger and Alejandro "anonimotum" Gomis said that TSM is signing Huang "Maple" Yi-Tang as their new starting mid laner ahead of the 2022 LCS Summer Split. 

TSM had a historic 2022 LCS Spring Split, and not in a good way. The most recent split marked the first time the organization has missed the postseason in LCS history, which dates back to 2013. 

TSM finished 9th in the Spring Split with a 5-13 record. 10th place Immortals also sported a record of 5-13 to end the split, but TSM's 2-0 head-to-head record against Immortals — the only one they boast so far in 2022 — placed them ahead of IMT.  In addition to Maple, TSM has also been reportedly linked to South Korean support Choi “Mia” Sang, who has played for LLA squad Estral Esports last season. 

Maple has a storied career with many domestic titles and international appearances under his belt. However, his 2022 has, performance-wise, arguably been the worst of his career. Maple joined LPL squad Anyone's Legend this season and was benched in favor of Deng "Forge" Jie, who made most of the mid lane starts for AL in the 2022 LPL Spring Split.

Throughout his career, Maple has been one of the best players in Taiwan, even before the establishment of the PCS, but after a rough stint with Suning earlier in his career, his recent tenure with Anyone's Legend marks the second time that Maple has struggled when leaving the PCS. TSM's investment into southeast Asian talent and employment of head coach Wong "Chawy" Xing Lei may be a crucial factor for Maple acclimating to the LCS should reports of his signing by TSM ring true.

No statement has been made by Maple or TSM at this time.