3 Toronto Maple Leafs New Years Resolutions for 2020

Shore up Contracts on the Blueline

At the end of this season, Kyle Dubas will have a big challenge ahead of him. That’s because other than Morgan Rielly, every member of the Leafs defense is set to become a free agent.

(Note: Since writing, but prior to publication, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Justin Holl to a contract extension).

The Leafs will have four unrestricted free agents unless contracts get signed before the conclusion of the season.

Those five UFAs are Cody Ceci, Jake Muzzin, Tyson Barrie, and Martin Marincin. They also have two restricted free agent blueliners, Travis Dermott and the man who has just been called up to make his NHL debut, Teemu Kivihalme.

Thanks to the multiple forwards’ giant contracts that eat a significant portion of the cap, it isn’t conceivable to retain everyone. Barrie is expected to pursue big money elsewhere and he will likely get it thanks to the value teams put on offensive defensemen.

Dubas can get some relief if their young non-roster players can earn a spot on the team. They are Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren, Joseph Duszak, Mac Hollowell, and Jesper Lindgren.

There is also the chance that any one of Ben Harpur, Jordan Schmaltz, or Kevin Gravel who are all going to be free agents can be re-signed and make the Toronto Maple Leafs.

There is no doubt that it will be intriguing to see how Toronto manages to put together their d-men for the 2020-21 season. We hope that Dubas makes magic happen and maintains a talented blueline.