3 Free Agent Left-Wingers Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign
No. 3: Brandon Saad
Saad is puck possession monster who can play a very similar role to what Hyman did on the Leafs. He is slightly younger and maybe even the better player. Also much less injury risk.
As we’ve already mentioned, replacing Hyman is going to be very tough but if there’s one player available this offseason who can do that, it’s Brandon Saad.
Not only can Saad play with high-end talent and be effective, but he’s a two-time Stanley Cup winner. That experience will be critical in big playoff games, and as shown by his production last year (seven goals in 10 playoff games), he can produce in the biggest moments.
With over 600 NHL games of experience, you know exactly what you’re getting with Saad. You’re getting a player who’s guaranteed to score 20-goals, will work his butt off and is a tough player to play against on both sides of the puck.
Next. Top 3 Dream Leafs UFA Signings. dark
Obviously his price-tag will be high, but if he’s asking for what Hyman got, I’d feel much better investing that money into Saad, instead of Hyman. Toronto would be very smart to sign Saad to a three-or-four year deal, so you’re locked in with a Saad-Matthews-Marner top line for the foreseeable future.