Toronto Maple Leafs Top Off-Season Wish List: 5 Players to Target

Nov 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev (8) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 3-2 in the overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev (8) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 3-2 in the overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Martin Hanzal

Age: 30

Current Team:  Minnesota Wild

Contract:  UFA

Apr 14, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Martin Hanzal (19) and St Louis Blues forward David Perron (57) skate after the puck in the first period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Martin Hanzal (19) and St Louis Blues forward David Perron (57) skate after the puck in the first period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Abilities:  Massive centre who plays great 5v5 hockey.

Why he might be available: He’s an unrestricted free agent.  He is definitely available.  The Toronto Maple Leafs might have interest in him because they could then turn around and trade Bozak, thus picking up an extra asset for nothing.  Hanzal would definitely be an upgrade over Bozak if the Leafs are serious about not playing Nylander at centre.

Hanzal is an excellent 5v5 player who – when not on a garbage team – can help drive possession. He’s also a very good defender and is absolutely massive.  The only reason not to sign him is that he has a history of injuries that would make Joffrey Lupul cry.  Still, he’s a cheap option for upgrading the team and picking up an easy asset.   I’ve watched him for years on the Coyotes and I if he wasn’t so injury prone, I would highly recommend signing him.  Even with the injuries, he might be worth the risk.  Hanzal on your third line is pretty insane.

In the end, it’s fun to speculate, but who knows what will happen. Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs are good again, this is actually fun!

Thanks for reading.

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