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

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 14, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders forward John Tavares (91) shoots the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders forward John Tavares (91) shoots the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

2018 Free Agents

John Tavares, C, New York Islanders

Okay this one’s a bonus. Every Leafs fan right now is dreaming of Tavares coming home to help bring a cup back to Toronto. After missing out on the Stamkos sweepstakes, Tavares really isn’t that far off.

It may have sounded absurd to think about before this season, but Tavares coming home may actually be realistic. Like I mentioned before, Toronto is looking much more attractive, and well…the Islanders aren’t really. With questions surrounding their arena, the Islanders status going forward is questionable. On top of that, although they may be trending upwards, it doesn’t look like their ceiling would necessarily be as high as Toronto’s.

I don’t really have to talk about how great Tavares is as the number’s speak for themselves (523 points in 571 games). He is a stud on the ice who seems to be the New York Islanders only bright light at times.

As Boyle stated, Toronto has “some guys that are phenomenal.” Yup, just a few phenomenal guys like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly, who will all have much more experience than they currently have come 2018. This could seem very intriguing to Tavares if the Leafs are able to dish out a reasonable enough contract offer.

Let me know in the comments who else you think the Leafs should pursue among the upcoming free agents. Also feel free to let me know on my Twitter: @Matt_Rodrigo_