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The Odds on the Toronto Maple Leafs Free-Agents Returning

By Lauren Kelly

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 (l) of the Toronto Maple Leafs scores at 2:01 of the third period against the New York Islanders and is joined by Tyler Bozak #42 (r) at the Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 (l) of the Toronto Maple Leafs scores at 2:01 of the third period against the New York Islanders and is joined by Tyler Bozak #42 (r) at the Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 (l) of the Toronto Maple Leafs scores at 2:01 of the third period against the New York Islanders and is joined by Tyler Bozak #42 (r) at the Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 (l) of the Toronto Maple Leafs scores at 2:01 of the third period against the New York Islanders and is joined by Tyler Bozak #42 (r) at the Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

James van Riemsdyk, UFA ($4.25 mil/6 years)

This is difficult, because the Leafs simply don’t have an adequate replacement for JVR in house. They’re not going to be able to find another player of his caliber and skillset. It’s so unique. Unfortunately, unless he can be convinced to take a hometown discount, JVR will probably be walking on July 1st. The Leafs can’t afford to keep him, and he could easily get $6 million on the open market. If JVR’s exit interview was any indication, he seems to think that he’s played his last games with the Leafs. I would love it if the Leafs could find a way to keep him, but he deserves to paid more than they can afford to at this point.

Odds to Return: 15%

Tyler Bozak, UFA ($4.2 mil/5 years)

Well, if the Leafs let Bozak go, they’ll have to find a new little good luck charm and marketing strategy, because Kanon will be going with him. (Might I suggest one Linus Komarov?)  In all seriousness, although Bozak won’t cost as much to keep as JVR, his days in Toronto appear to be numbered as well. The Leafs finally have enough centre depth to let him go, should they choose to. However, keeping Bozak around could mean they no longer have to search for a fourth-line centre. If they can find a good price, and for the right length, Bozak could be back with the Leafs, but it doesn’t look that way right now.

Odds to Return: 33%

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