Toronto Maple Leafs: Who Is Available, Who Is Untouchable
UFAs to Hold
While the core of the Toronto Maple Leafs is locked up, there are some players on their roster that will need a new contract this offseason. Among them are players the team would like to keep as the season goes on and for the playoffs.
What will happen this offseason surrounding these players is up in the air and a conversation for a later date. What we know today is that these players should remain in Toronto this season.
- LW/RW. Zach Hyman
- C/LW. Joe Thornton
- LW/RW. Wayne Simmonds
- C/RW. Jason Spezza
- C. Travis Boyd
- RD. Zach Bogosian
The Leafs are privileged to have winger Zach Hyman on their roster. Questions surrounding his long-term commitment to the team, and vice versa, will come up since his contract expires this offseason. His toughness, determination, and versatility are hard to find in today’s NHL.
The longtime San Jose Shark, Joe Thornton, decided to play in his hometown to try and help the young guys bring home a Stanley Cup. No one thought his impact on the team would be as much as it has been. The 41-year-old has 11 points in 16 games and won the hearts of Toronto’s youngsters.
The same goes for winger Wayne Simmonds. While he has been out with an injury, his time on the ice proved a one-year $1.5 million contract was worth the shot. He only has five points in 12 games, but his physicality and nastiness have been missing from the Leafs for years.
Jason Spezza’s career looked like it was coming to an end in Dallas. In signing with the Leafs, he dipped into the fountain of youth and put up 16 points in 27 games this season while winning 59 percent of his faceoffs. Not bad for someone making the league minimum.
Expected to fill in for the fourth line, Travis Boyd managed to cement his name. The forward has eight points in 18 games and has played some minutes on the second power play. His lack of trade value and value to the team makes him a player to hold.
The Toronto Maple Leafs needed size, and Dubas added that by signing Zach Bogosian. He may not be flashy, and he may not put up many points, but he is the size on the back end the team has needed. His presence will be very appreciated heading into the playoffs.