Free Agent Areas Of Need
Is Matt Frattin finally ready to play in a scoring role in the NHL?
Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
So the holes the Maple Leafs have to fill assuming all the players mentioned before are moved out and no NHL talent is brought back in those trades (unlikely, salary dumps will be coming back for Kessel and Phaneuf at least) look like this;
2nd Line Right Wing – Not critical need, have prospects who “could” fill the role
3rd Line Center – A veteran voice in the locker room and defensively capable penalty killing expert would be a boon here, besides Sam Carrick there are no internal options
4th Line Left Wing – Perfect spot for a buy low deal, where one of the recent spat of buyouts could be candidates to sign a low deal and increase their value league wide
No.2 Defenceman and D-partner for Morgan Rielly – Critical need, but the Leafs WILL NOT find this kind of player in Free Agency
No.4 Defenceman and D-partner for Jake Gardiner – A babysitter for Jake Gardiner would be nice and allow Babcock to get the most out of him, Petter Granberg might have been an option but a lower body injury will keep him out for the next 4 months at least
UPDATED: Leafs Sign Matt Hunwick to 1.2Mper 2year deal
Next: 2nd Line RW - Free Agent Options