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

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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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.

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