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Toronto Maple Leafs: Free Agents to Watch in the Final Four

By Maria Bouabdo

Jan 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs line up for the national anthem before playing the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs line up for the national anthem before playing the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 24, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez (23  Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Alec Martinez, VGK, D, 6’1, 209 lbs, 33 yrs, $4,000,000

Alec Martinez has been phenomenal to watch this season, and these playoffs in particular. The veteran defenseman also has playoff experience and has won two cups with the L.A. Kings.

He scored nine goals and 23 assists for a total of 32 points in 53 games this regular season, and three goals and two assists, for five points in 17 games this postseason. (stats nhl.com ).

Pros:

  • Let’s keep it simple, there’s a reason his teammates call him a “warrior.” Martinez is a blocking machine. He has an average of over three blocks per game, which is the most in the NHL. The number of times he has saved his team from late goals, or just goals, in general, is immeasurable. And he was +26 in the regular season.
  • Martinez is also known for his ability to skate, move the puck, and create offensive opportunities. So, not only does he prevent goals, but he also helps his team get some.

Cons:

  • The only con that comes to mind is how expensive Martinez’s contract is considering the Leafs don’t have much cap space. I don’t expect Martinez to settle for less than $4 million, and I don’t see how Toronto could find a way to make it work for him.
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