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Toronto Maple Leafs: Free Agents the Leafs Should be Looking to Attract

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Feb 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman (11) talks to center Auston Matthews (34) as center William Nylander (29) and defenseman Roman Polak (46) look on against the New York Rangers at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman (11) talks to center Auston Matthews (34) as center William Nylander (29) and defenseman Roman Polak (46) look on against the New York Rangers at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (77) against the Anaheim Ducks at KeyBank Center. Anaheim beats Buffalo 5 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (77) against the Anaheim Ducks at KeyBank Center. Anaheim beats Buffalo 5 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Dmitry Kulikov, D, Buffalo Sabres

Kulikov is an interesting case that may get looked over by many teams. He’s not as big of a name as Kevin Shattenkirk or Karl Alzner in this year’s free agent class, but he can definitely still make an impact on a team.

He’s among the youngest free agents this year and that can only be beneficial if the Leafs pick him up. At 26, he still has time to grow into a proper top for defenceman.

Kulikov has been playing all right this season. He only has two points in 37 games, which may not be the greatest offensive stats, but he still plays defence well. In fact, many teams seemed to be interested in acquiring his talents at the trade deadline, but alas he is still stuck in Buffalo. Maybe Toronto’s blueline could use someone like him.

His cap hit right now may be a bit high at 4.5 million per, but I don’t expect this price to alleviate much with his performance this year. In fact, he might be available at a significantly cheaper price, depending on the market for other defenceman. If the Leafs have the cap room to sign him, he might be a good player to take a chance on short-term. A one or two year contract may suffice.

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