10 Veteran UFA’s Toronto Maple Leafs Could Sign This Offseason

No. 10: Travis Zajac

The 36-year-old centre has been a bright spot for the New York Islanders during their current Stanley Cup run. He doesn’t contribute much offensively, but his veteran IQ and defensive ability is something that has fit Barry Trotz’ system.

Zajac is coming off a contract that paid him $5.875M and there’s no way he’s getting any figure close to that again in free agency. Based on his age and lack of production, he should be happy with signing a contract worth no more than $2M per year, and that even seems rich.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are not looking for a veteran to play 20 minutes per night and contribute much offensively. Instead, they could use someone to fill a gap and be defensively responsible, and potentially play penalty-kill minutes.

Zajac could be that person on the fourth-line, who works his tail off to help the Leafs win. During his tenure, he’s made the Stanley Cup Finals once, but has yet to win it. If he wins with the Islanders this year, he may be inclined to sign a league minimum in Long Island and run it back there, however, if they fall short, he may want to join a young team who can make the leap next year. Ie., Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto shouldn’t make Zajac their top priority but it could be worth exploring if the price is right.