Top-10 Best NHL UFAs for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022-23

#9 – Ben Chiarot

Ben Chiarot is a similar style addition that Manson would be. Chariot is another player who fans hypothesized as being a trade target for the Leafs ahead of the 2022 NHL trade deadline. Like Manson, he is 30-years-old and stands six-foot-three. Chariot also plays with a bit of an edge, adding physicality to his game. The 226-pound defenseman has thrown 122 hits this season.

Chiarot is a left-shooting blue liner who plays on a top pairing for the Florida Panthers. Looking to win the Stanley Cup, they acquired him via trade from the Montreal Canadiens. This season, between the two clubs, the Hamilton, Ontario born player has collected 7 goals and 13 assists in 59 games. He is also averaging 23:35 minutes of ice-time per contest.

Chiarot has played on both the left and right side, which gives him more versatility in a lineup. This season, he is finishing a three-year contract that carries a $3.5 million cap hit.

Chiarot has already seen his possession metrics improve since moving to Florida. His even strength Corsi rating has ameliorated from 46.0 with the Habs to 61.2 with the Panthers. It’s encouraging when thinking about what Chiarot can do when surrounded by one of the best collection of players in the NHL instead of one of the worst. The Leafs are far closer to the former than the latter, which suggests that if Chiarot has the opportunity to patrol the blue line in Toronto, it could be very beneficial for the team.