Top 5 Free Agents the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign This Summer
With the Toronto Maple Leafs season in doubt, it’s possible that the off-season has already begun.
As we continue to self-isolate for the next few weeks, there’s a chance the Toronto Maple Leafs season will get cancelled, so we might as well look at the top five pending free agents the team should target this summer.
In recent years, the Leafs have feasted at the table of unrestricted free agency.
Signing John Tavares was perhaps the greatest signing in NHL history, while even bargain basement picks up like Jason Spezza have worked out wonderfully.
Speaking of…..
5. Jason Spezza
I know what you’re thinking: Jason Spezza?!
Are you serious, Stephen? Oh, I’m dead serious when it comes to Spezza. At 36 years old, Spezza has been nothing but steady after Sheldon Keefe was hired and has been the perfect fourth line centre.
Spezza has 25 points in 58 games this year, but more importantly is playing the role similar to Patrick Marleau in the dressing room, only with the added benefit of still being above replacement level.
Spezza has scored at nearly a top line rate from the fourth line, put up solid advanced numbers and has been excellent on special teams.
Not only has he been a great leader, but you’ll be able to sign him for the league minimum again, which is crucial due to salary cap restrictions.
4. Justin Shultz
I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but the Toronto Maple Leafs could use a right-shot defenseman, and Shultz fits that mold well.
Despite being injury-prone over the last few seasons, Shultz is a top-four defenseman and comes with a winning background.
Shultz won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins and was a key defenseman during their 16-17 championship, so it’ll be good to have another winner on the blue-line to go along with Jake Muzzin’s resume.
3. Wayne Simmonds
If there’s a player in the NHL who has found himself in the wrong situation for the last two years, it’s Wayne Simmonds.
When Simmonds was with the Philadelphia Flyers, he was a great addition paired on a line with Claude Giroux, and showed that he can play top-six minutes with one of the best players in the league.
Unfortunately, Simmonds has massively declined, but on a league minimum contract it might be worth seeing if he has anything left in the tank.
Simmonds will never be a player that will carry a line, but can play the Zach Hyman type role and be incredibly effective, or could once upon a time.
Simmonds also just signed a 1-year deal to bet on himself and it’s gone terribly with only eight goals in 68 games, so it’s possible that the Leafs could get a bargain with him on another one or two year deal.
2. Joe Thornton
If the Toronto Maple Leafs resign Jason Spezza and then grab Joe Thornton, they may have the oldest bottom-six centres in the NHL, but that’s okay. Thornton is an Ontario kid chasing a Stanley Cup, and will be filled with energy if he joined Toronto.
Also, having made over $90 million in his career, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind a pay-cut if it meant having a strong possibility at a cup near his hometown.
Thornton is still capable to slide up and down the lineup and would be lethal on the power play setting up the Leafs young superstars. If the price is right, Thornton would be a great addition next year.
1. Alex Pietrangelo
A man can dream, can’t he?
The current captain of the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues is a pending free agent and would be the perfect fit in Toronto.
The former 4th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft is the defenseman Toronto fans dream of.
He’s a big body with a hard slap shot who can put up points, but also defends well. He is the Norris Trophy favorite this year.
Growing up less than hour away from Toronto, I’m sure his friends and family would love for him to wear the blue-and-white one day.
dark. Next. How the Leafs Can Easily Fit Alex Pietrangelo's Cap Hit
It’ll be pretty hard to steal him from St. Louis with minimal salary cap availability, but “Hey, Kyle Dubas”, you might as well try!