#4 T.J. Brodie
The Calgary Flames are about to see two of their valuable defensemen hit the open market. They are Travis Hamonic and T.J. Brodie. There’s a good chance that Flames GM Brad Treliving will do what he can to bring both men back, but like the Leafs, the salary cap may not allow for it.
Brodie is the better player of the pair and is also more sure-handed with the puck. His advance stats are excellent. Brodie has shown that his puck possession has made an impact on the game. This season, he had a Corsi rating of 52.4 at even strength which was 3.6 better relative to his club.
#3 Taylor Hall
The Arizona Coyotes are in danger of losing their very talented left-winger, Taylor Hall. He is one of the biggest prizes of the current free-agent class. Landing him in Toronto would be an incredible boost to the team.
The former first overall draft pick hasn’t enjoyed the team success he’d like. In fact, over his ten year career, he’s only been to the playoffs twice. This season, while earning six million for the year, Hall played in 65 games where he collected 16 goals and 36 assists.
Turning 29 in November, Hall may not get the same money he’s earned earlier in career. If true, this could make him a potential acquisition for the Leafs. However, early projections have him joining either the Montreal Canadiens or Colorado Avalanche.
#2 Torey Krug
Largely seen as an enemy, playing for the big bad Boston Bruins, Torey Krug would be an excellent addition to the Maple Leafs’ blueline. The offensive defenseman has spent his entire nine year career in Beantown.
Now a UFA, Krug could be looking for a new team to call his own. The Maple Leafs would be a good host to the player who has been an advanced stat monster. This season, at even strength, Krug had a Corsi rating of 55.6, which was 6.3 better than his team. He also recorded an impressive nine goals and 40 assists in 61 games. That’s all while playing an average of 20:29 minutes per game.
Krug is looking for a long-term deal that pays him well. Unless the money he’s looking for is outrageous, the Leafs should consider making an offer.