Goalie
Frederik Andersen has more than likely played his last game as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Jack Campbell will be the team’s number one next season. If that is indeed the case, the Leafs will need to look for a new backup goaltender.
It would be preferred if the backup is an experienced veteran who can help calm Campbell’s nerves when things don’t go well. There will be many goaltenders like this to choose from, but here are the few that would work best in Toronto.
Jaroslav Halak
If Toronto signs Jaroslav Halak, they are getting a veteran goaltender who is used to playing as a backup. Halak has played 539 games over 15 seasons with a record of 281-173-62. Last season he went 9-6-4 in 19 games with the Boston Bruins, and recorded a .905 SV% and a 2.53 GAA.
Any backup for Toronto next season will likely need to play a minimum of 20 games, and that shouldn’t be a problem for Halak.
Halak projection: 1 Year – $2 million
Curtis McElhinney
Curtis McElhinney had a decent record during his first stint in Toronto a few years ago. He might be open to signing with the Leafs and returning for another chance to help Toronto win the Stanley Cup.
McElhinney is a veteran of 13 NHL seasons who has a record of 94-95-20 with a career .907 SV% and career 2.83 GAA. This season wasn’t his best, but he is still a proven veteran.
McElhinney projection: 1 Year – $900,000
David Rittich
If the Toronto Maple Leafs can’t find backup goaltending help elsewhere, they could try to bring back David Rittich who they acquired at the 2021 trade deadline. Rittich already knows the team and staff, but would benefit from having an entire training camp and pre season with the team.
Sometimes when you’re searching for something, it is right there in front of you. That could be the case with Rittich and the Maple Leafs.
Rittch projection: 2 Years – $1.5 million AAV