5 Depth Free Agents the Toronto Maple Leafs Could Potentially Sign

1. Joe Thornton – 40 years old – C

At my number one spot I have the man, the myth, the beard.

“Jumbo” Joe Thornton. There were rumours that Thornton could be getting dealt at the 2020 deadline and that numerous teams were potentially interested, and a lot of people were wanting the Toronto Maple Leafs to try and acquire him too.

I can honestly see Joe Thornton coming back to play another year in the NHL, either staying with the Sharks or signing a one year deal with a team where he believes he has a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup.

Joe Thornton signed a one year deal to return to the Sharks for the 2019-20 season for $2M and over his career he has signed multiple contracts, and right now he is 40 years old so I don’t think he’ll make over $2M next season if he returns.

Thornton is one of the best passers in the league and can play on the Toronto Maple Leafs second power play unit easily.

New contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs $1M x 1 year

This contract is good for both sides in my opinion, Thornton gets at least $1M in potentially his last year in the league and the Toronto Maple Leafs get a great playmaker who has racked up over 1,000 career assists and another centre that can play on the power play for only $1M.

Again, this contract would only work if the Leafs don’t re-sign all their RFA’s and UFA’s. I would still love the Leafs to re-sign Jason Spezza though.