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3 Free Agent Left-Wingers Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign

By Stephen Nixon

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 02: Brandon Saad #20 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with his teammates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on June 2, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 02: Brandon Saad #20 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with his teammates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on June 2, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 30: Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Detroit Red Wings   (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Tyler Bertuzzi

Bertuzzi is an RFA, but he’s still technically a free agent so he fits this list appropriately.

The former second-round pick would be an unbelievable fit in Toronto. Not only does he have some offensive touch but his aggressive nature would gel so well beside Matthews and Marner. That duo needs someone who can hit, fight and get the puck from their opponent and Bertuzzi can be that player.

In 208 career NHL games, Bertuzzi has 54 goals and 126 points (stats: hockeydb.com). That’s a very nice per-game pace and if he’s able to stay healthy during a full season beside Matthews and Marner, there would be no reason to believe he couldn’t be a 30-goal scorer.

During his last year in the Ontario Hockey League, Bertuzzi scored 43 goals and contributed 98 points, so he has enough skill to keep up with the Leafs dynamic duo. However, his aggressive nature is what makes him such a desirable option in Toronto.

The Leafs would have to do to a sign-and-trade (or they could offer sheet him) to acquire him, but it could be worth it.

The 26-year-old signed a $3.5M deal last year, but only played nine games, so he didn’t do a ton to increase his value in one season. As a result, he probably wouldn’t cost more than $4M, which is great value for his potential.

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