
#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.
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.