#2. Michael Del Zotto (2019-20 Salary: $750K)
Del Zotto would be a great addition on the Toronto Maple Leafs blue-line. The 30-year-old defenseman scored 15 points in 49 games last year and still has a lot left in the tank.
Born in Stouffville, ON, Del Zotto is a local player who just wants to play hockey. He’d also sign for the league minimum, so it wouldn’t be costing the Leafs a ton of money to get him. In terms of a depth option, I can’t think of anyone better for this price.
He may not have played during the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup run, but he was apart of the ride. He was in the dressing room every night, experiencing the highs and lows of spring hockey and saw what it took to win. By all accounts, he’s a great person in the room and someone players love to be around, as well.
What was the Leafs biggest weakness last year? Defense. Sure, they addressed it in the off-season, but you can never have too many options. If Del Zotto is open to being a fringe player, most likely on the taxi-squad for the season and only playing when someone’s hurt, then he’s a perfect addition.
He could surprise us and end up in the top-six, but even if he’s not, he’d be a good leader and example in the room. The Leafs currently have eight NHL defenseman on the roster, but they could use 10 for extra depth and insurance in case of injury. Del Zotto could be that extra defenseman.