Toronto Maple Leafs: Looking Into Every Option with Freddie Andersen

Sign a Starting Goaltender

It seems as if the free-agent market may be the least likely option for Kyle Dubas to fill his potential vacant net. There are not many intriguing options that could be available with the likes of Jordan Binnington and Phillip Grubauer leading the UFA class.

Although possible, it is highly unlikely Grubauer would look for a change of scenery with the Avalanche looking like Stanley Cup favourites and the club on the verge of a dynasty. But the Blues goalie is a little different.

Now, I will preface this by saying there has been no indication Binnington will look to move on from the St. Louis Blues organization, but I do wonder if the lure of playing close to home (Binnington was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario) could attract the 27-year-old away from Missouri.

In October of 2019, when asked what former Leaf goaltender Curtis Joseph meant to him, Binnington responded:

“I was a Leafs fan. Growing up in Toronto, you pretty much had to be. My dad put me in that goalie school for nine weeks every summer for six or seven years, and there were some days when ‘Cujo’ would come in and train there…I liked his helmet, his pads. I was a fan.”

It is possible the lure of playing at home entices Binnington to sign with Toronto?

We have seen the effect that playing in front of a hometown crowd can take on free agents in recent offseasons. John Tavares, Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton, and Wayne Simmonds – all from the Toronto area – all left money on the table to come home and chase a cup wearing the Blue and White.

With a cup already under his belt in his short NHL career thus far, there is no question Binnington can rise to the occasion when called upon.

It remains to be seen how Dubas plans to handle his goaltending situation heading into the 2021-22 season. But one thing is for sure: Andersen has his destiny in his own hands. It is just a question if he can deliver when it matters most.