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Toronto Maple Leafs: Contract Expectations of Pending Free Agents

By Dylan Murphy

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 4: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas during interview with Bruce Arthur (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 4: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas during interview with Bruce Arthur (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 7: Jason Spezza #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 7: Jason Spezza #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Pending UFAs

The list of pending Unrestricted Free Agents for players who played at the NHL level for the organization is as follows:

  • Kyle Clifford
  • Jason Spezza
  • Cody Ceci
  • Tyson Barrie

Jason Spezza has already stated that he only wants to play in Toronto. 

Having good players is, obviously, important. Having good players who want to play for your team more than anything else is just as, if not more, important. Spezza is a great player (despite his age) and a solid veteran presence.

He may get a slight pay bump, but he’s worth it, and it’s clear that he wants to make it work. He’ll be back.

Kyle Clifford, another solid player, and former Stanley Cup winner who immediately endeared himself to the fanbase by bringing the physical element that so many have demanded for what feels like forever.

The decision to re-sign him, however, is not as cut and dry as Jason Spezza. If he is re-signed, the Leafs 2021 3rd round draft pick which was traded to the L.A. Kings upgrades to a 2nd round pick.

Given the ability that Kyle Dubas and his scouting team have at pulling talent such as Nick Robertson out of the draft, it is probably not worth a second round pick to sign Clifford.  Besides, he’d have to take at least a 50% pay cut to even make it a consideration.

Cody Ceci, there’s nothing more to say here. Overpaid, overvalued, and in my opinion, not an NHL player. It’s a no for me, not even if he wanted to come back at league minimum.

Tyson Barrie is probably walking away as well, and that is probably for the best.

The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be able to afford what he will likely ask for.. With both Mikko Lehtonen and Timothy Liljegren expected to be factors on the Toronto maple Leafs blueline next year, they likely wouldn’t have room for a player of Barrie’s skillset anyway.

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