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Toronto Maple Leafs: An Early Look at Potential 2020 Free Agency Targets

By Matthew Rodrigopulle |
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 30: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is congratulated by teammate Zach Hyman #11 after scoring the over time winner against the Buffalo Sabres at the Scotiabank Arena on November 30, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 30: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is congratulated by teammate Zach Hyman #11 after scoring the over time winner against the Buffalo Sabres at the Scotiabank Arena on November 30, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
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It’s only December, but it’s always interesting to look ahead and think about what the Toronto Maple Leafs should plan to do in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have eight players set to become unrestricted free agents (UFA’s) at the end of the season, not including Nathan Horton and David Clarkson who are on LTIR.

Whether or not they choose to sign none, some or all of them is up to Kyle Dubas, but with the cap crunching the Leafs have to do, it’s likely that a few of them will have to be replaced.

And what better way to replace UFA’s than by signing some more UFA’s? Here are five pending UFA’s that the Leafs may want to consider signing this upcoming summer.

All stats from naturalstattrick.com and hockeydb.com

TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 27: St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates in the 1st period of the NHL game between the Saint Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning on November 27, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 27: St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates in the 1st period of the NHL game between the Saint Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning on November 27, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues, Defenseman

2019-20 stats: 29 GP, 6 G, 14 A

Let’s start it off with a bang. The Leafs are lacking defense, that’s common knowledge. To top things off, five out of their seven current defensemen will all be UFA’s at the end of this season–everyone except Morgan Rielly and Travis Dermott (who will be an RFA).

Defence will be the position that the Toronto Maple Leafs will need to find replacements for. Cody Ceci will most likely be passed on, but whether or not they resign Tyson Barrie and Jake Muzzin, who will both surely ask for raises, the Leafs will need to look for replacements on the UFA market.

Now let’s say Barrie asks for $7 million or more. Coupled with an expensive asking price by Muzzin, the Leafs could consider passing on both defensemen and signing a proven first pairing defenseman.

This is where Alex Pietrangelo fits in. The Toronto Maple Leafs could look to bolster their star power on the blue line by signing him–a proven star right-handed defenseman–however his asking price will surely be expensive causing some current defensemen to be passed on.

Adding a defenseman of Pietrangelo’s calibre isn’t an opportunity that comes by often. Making a big splash in free agency, like the Leafs did with John Tavares in 2018, could be one thing the Leafs want to do.

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 3: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on October 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 3: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on October 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Torey Krug, Boston Bruins, Defenseman

2019-20 stats: 22 GP, 3 G, 15 A

Again, defense is going to be the position needing the most replacements this offseason, so here’s another option for the Leafs to look into.

Torey Krug has played great for Boston and most Bruins fans would tell you that. Krug is a strong defenceman who helps hold down the Bruins second pairing. An offensive machine, he’s scored at least 50 points in each of the last three seasons.

Slotting into the Leafs, he’d already be one of Toronto’s top blue-liners if he signed. He’ll definitely take a pay raise from his current AAV of $5.25 million, but again, it’s a possibility for the Leafs if either Muzzin or Barrie walk away.

In all honesty, I’m sure Krug will stay in Boston and probably sign an extension soon enough.

The team has picked up contract discussions and it seems like he wants to stay. But it’s always fun to wonder what could be if he came to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 02: Malcolm Subban #30 of the Vegas Golden Knights defends the net against Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden on December 02, 2019 in New York City. The Golden Knights defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 02: Malcolm Subban #30 of the Vegas Golden Knights defends the net against Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden on December 02, 2019 in New York City. The Golden Knights defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Chris Kreider, New York Rangers, LW

2019-20 stats: 26 GP, 6 G, 7 A

Here’s a player I know a lot of Toronto Maple Leafs fans wanted last year when trade rumours surrounded him.

Kreider is a streaky winger who can have a hot run before going dry for some time. This was shown last season where he had a strong first half of the season, scoring 20 goals and 11 assists in just 38 games, but went cold during the second half putting up just 21 more points.

Despite the inconsistency, he’s effective and chippy which can help the Leafs’ offensive stars thrive in the top six.

Most of all, the Leafs big issue for the last couple of season has been their lack of toughness and grit. Well, Kreider would be a big help in that category if that’s what the Leafs are looking for.

This season, Kreider’s production has regressed quite a bit, as he’s on pace for one of his worst seasons. This may risk his chances of a pay raise this summer, which the Toronto Maple Leafs could try and take advantage of.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 03: Capitals defenseman Radko Gudas (33) skates the puck from behind his own net as goalie Ilya Samsonov (30) watches during the Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals on November 3, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 03: Capitals defenseman Radko Gudas (33) skates the puck from behind his own net as goalie Ilya Samsonov (30) watches during the Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals on November 3, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Radko Gudas, Washington Capitals, Defenceman

28 GP, 0 G, 7 A

Last season, Gudas was a popular choice for players Toronto Maple Leafs fans wanted. In fact, even I wanted Gudas to play for the Leafs.

I still do to some extent.

My desire for him isn’t the same as it once was, but Gudas is a strong, tough, defensive defenceman who can pair well with one of the Leafs offensive defenceman.

His type of play is still something the Leafs could very well use. He’s not my first choice, but if the Leafs need to find a replacement for their second or third pairing (Ceci and/or Holl potentially), he could be an option on a short-term deal.

Then again, he may be too expensive for what he provides, and the current Leafs management hasn’t shown much interest in these types of players.  Gudas takes a lot of penalties and is known to be a bit of a dirty player.

Perhaps he is just what the Leafs need, but they may need to find a younger and cheaper version.

ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Anaheim Ducks goalie Ryan Miller (30) blocks a shot during an overtime period of a game against the Detroit Red Wings played on November 12, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Anaheim Ducks goalie Ryan Miller (30) blocks a shot during an overtime period of a game against the Detroit Red Wings played on November 12, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Ryan Miller, Anaheim Ducks, Goalie

2019-20 stats: 4 W, 1 A, .906 Sv%

Finally, I have to include a backup goalie in the event that the Leafs don’t find a much-needed replacement for Michael Hutchinson this season.

Ryan Miller is old at 39, which could be useful given his experience, but it also makes the signing a little risky. Who knows if he won’t retire before next season anyway?

Nonetheless, Miller is one of the best backup goalies in the NHL who is not a prospect of some sort. If he can stay effective to close out the season and wants to play next season, the Leafs should consider giving him a one-year-deal. Again, that is if they don’t replace Hutchinson now–which they should be looking into doing.

Next. Toronto Maple Leafs Top Prospects. dark

Let me know in the comments who you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should target in free agency.

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