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How Will the Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltending Look After Free Agency?

By Carter Loewen

CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 24:Jack Campbell #36 and Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs confer during a break in play against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 24, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 24:Jack Campbell #36 and Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs confer during a break in play against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 24, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /
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Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell had a historical season.

In his first season in the starting role, Campbell posted career bests in both SV% (.921) and GAA (2.15). In the playoffs, Campbell then would surpass those numbers in playoffs with a .934 SV% and a 1.81 GAA, not even to mention his NHL record of wins to start off an NHL season (11).

Campbell’s performance came as a pleasant surprise to most, and at a cap hit of $1.65 million for another season, no one is complaining. However, with the chance at a departure of Frederik Andersen in free agency later this month, the Leafs are left with a big decision to make.

Andersen is one of the top UFA Goalies this offseason and with the opportunity for a big payday elsewhere, it’s hopeful by some that the 31-year-old will return to the Leafs.

The Leafs will be looking to spend money previously spent on Andersen elsewhere, namely UFA Zach Hyman, while at the same time rather finding a cheaper 1B option in goal.

In addition to the possible departure, there isn’t any young Marlie chomping at the bit to come up into the NHL quite yet. Prospects Joseph Woll and Ian Scott still have a long way to come. So where do we look for the Leafs and their 1B option? Free Agency.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Their UFA Goaltending Options

A good middle ground to spend on a 1B option in free agency would be around someone in the $2-3 million range. If that ended up being the case, having to spend only $3-4 million on a steady goaltending duo would be paradise when you consider that teams like Vegas spend a combined $12 million on their duo of Fluery and Lehner.

So if we focus on that range of $2-3 million who are the realistic options? David Rittich, Jonathan Bernier, James Reimer, Laurent Brossoit, Jaroslav Halak, and Chris Driedger are just a few who I think could fall in that sweet spot of a 1B for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now yes, there are a few familiar names on that list. David Rittich did in fact finish the season as a Leaf but only for four total games. And needless to say in the four games, Big Save Dave, was not much of a Big Save Dave for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Does that rule him out as an option? Certainly not. David Rittich is a more than competent goalie and could serve as a very useful backup in the case that the Leafs resigned him. (stats naturalstattrick.com).

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