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Top 5 Bargain Unrestricted Free Agents the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign

By Stephen Nixon

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: Ron Hainsey #2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with teammates during the third period of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Maple Leafs defeat the Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: Ron Hainsey #2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with teammates during the third period of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Maple Leafs defeat the Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs – Ron Hainsey (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

#5. Ron Hainsey

Could the Leafs bring back Ron Hainsey?

He was over-matched when Babcock played him on the top pairing, but would do well in a much reduced role if the price was right.

Sure, this isn’t the sexiest player to bring back, but Hainsey would fit well as a bottom-pair defenseman and leader in the dressing room.

With the addition of Jake Muzzin and potential of Rasmus Sandin, Hainsey’s role would not have to be as large as it was when he previously played in Toronto.

Hainsey could be the stay-at-home defenseman and mentor to Sandin which would be very beneficial to his development.

In order for the great skating defenseman on the Leafs like Travis Dermott, Rielly and Sandin to flourish, it helps to compliment them with a defenseman opposite to their skill-set and that’s where Hainsey can add value.

Next. Top 5 Goaltenders to Replace Frederik Andersen. dark

Also, although he’s currently making $3.5 million this year on a one-year contract, with another year closer to retirement in a place where he remembers fondly, it may be possible for the Toronto Maple Leafs to get him for closer to a million on a bargain.

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