5 Former Toronto Maple Leafs Who Could Return in Free Agency

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 10: Mitch Marner #16 and Matt Martin #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a win against the Boston Bruins at the Air Canada Centre on November 10, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 10: Mitch Marner #16 and Matt Martin #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a win against the Boston Bruins at the Air Canada Centre on November 10, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 1: Greg McKegg #39 of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

#3. Greg McKegg

McKegg was an incredible junior hockey player and when the Leafs originally drafted him in the third round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the team thought they were getting a steal.

However, McKegg played three seasons with the Toronto Marlies and was only able to play four regular season games with the Leafs before getting traded to Florida. Trading McKegg was one of the greatest deals in Leafs history, though.

In a one-for-one deal, the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to acquire Zach Hyman thanks to McKegg, but it may be time for a reunion.

Since McKegg was traded, he’s bounced between five NHL rosters but hasn’t found a true home. Despite having to pack his suitcase every off-season, he’s been a steady player over the past few seasons with Carolina and New York.

McKegg will most likely take the league minimum ($750K) and the Leafs could use that value as a fourth-line centre. If Jason Spezza doesn’t want to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a similar price or if the Leafs don’t want him back, McKegg could be a good option.