Who the Toronto Maple Leafs Could Lose to Free Agency This Summer

The Toronto Maple Leafs UFA Defensemen

There are just two defensemen that the Toronto Maple Leafs are at risk of losing to free agency. That’s because General Manager Kyle Dubas ensured that his star defender, Morgan Rielly, would remain a part of the organization for the next seven years after he signed an extension worth $7.5 million per year in the opening weeks of the season.

Dubas has actually done a remarkable job ensuring that there’s little risk to losing his blueliners. The only ones set to become unrestricted free agents (UFA) are the players acquired at the trade deadline, Mark Giordano and Ilya Lyubushkin.

Mark Giordano

With his limited no-trade clause, Toronto was on Giodano’s list possible destinations. Being shipped to the Leafs, not only brought him to a playoff bound team but also has allowed the former captain of the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken to play for his hometown franchise for the first time.

Giordano turns 39 in October and is no longer a Norris Trophy level defenseman, but in his short time with the Leafs, he has proven that he fits in nicely on the roster. If the Leafs resign Giordano, it would likely be for just one or two seasons at a low price point.

Ilya Lyubushkin

Lyubushkin has been a steadying presence since he was acquired by the Coyotes. At 28-years-old, he’s coming off his fourth-consecutive one-year contract. His current deal has paid him $1.35 million.

At this point his career, Lyubushkin has proven that he belongs in the NHL. That should be enough to persuade Dubas to make a long-term offer to the former KHLer. A deal structured this way would be beneficial to both parties. Lyubushkin would gain career stability and the Leafs could save some money by paying a lower annual salary.

The Toronto Maple Leafs UFA Forwards

The Leafs have been in far more difficult positions then they find themselves at the conclusion of this season. Dubas has four UFA and two RFA forwards waiting for their futures to be determined.

Brett Seney

Brett Seney has played the fewest NHL games of all the Maple Leafs’ pending UFA forwards. He has been in the lineup for just two contests with the Leafs and 53 for the New Jersey Devils. The 26-year-old center and left wing is likely to spend next season primarily in the AHL, just as he did this year. With the Marlies this season, Seney played 62 games where he recorded 17 goals and 42 assists for a total of 59 points.

Seney is someone who will garner interest as an above average minor-league player. He should be able to land a two-way deal (with expectation of him playing in the AHL) without much difficulty. With the Leafs having the forward depth that they do, it will continue to be difficult for Seney to crack the lineup as more than just an injury replacement. It would be in his best interest to join a new organization to get more opportunities, which is the most likely scenario.

Jason Spezza

Jason Spezza has been a fan favorite in Toronto. The veteran has made it very clear that the only team he will play for is the Maple Leafs. Spezza has been accepting single year deals at the league minimum in order to continue his NHL career in the Big Smoke.

Turning 39 in June, the right-winger will likely sign with Toronto for another year. It’s a low risk signing for the Leafs. The only way that Spezza doesn’t return to the Leafs for a fourth season is if he decides he’s ready to retire.

Ilya Mikheyev

Ilya Mikheyev has been fantastic for the Maple Leafs. At 27-years-old, he is earning an annual salary of $1.645 million. It’s a steal for the Leafs. Mikheyev is coming off a 32-point season in just 53 games. He potted 21 goals with 11 assists.

With top-six level skill and the ability to put the puck past goalies, Mikheyev should be eyeing a large pay upgrade. What remains to be seen is whether the Maple Leafs will be able to afford him once the market sets his price. Unfortunately, the most realistic scenario is that Mikheyev will get himself a great deal in a new city.

Colin Blackwell

The last UFA on the roster is Colin Blackwell. Acquired ahead of the trade deadline from the Kraken, the 29-year-old has played his role admirably. Just like Spezza, Blackwell is earning league minimum, which is a price the Leafs would gladly pay to retain his services. He has shown this year that he can earn himself a small raise in his next deal.

Apart from his short time with the Leafs, Blackwell doesn’t have history in Toronto. He may have interest in playing elsewhere. As a fourth-line forward who could be playing for $1 million or less next year, Blackwell should be able to find multiple suitors who want to add his style of play to their lineup.

The Restricted Free Agents

Defensemen

There are three Leafs defensemen who will see their entry level contracts expire this summer. Two of these negotiations will be important for Dubas. Those players are Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin. With both players steadily improving and earning their ice time, they may each come into negotiations with big demands.

Both players are young and have a long hockey runway ahead of them. Liljegren is 22 and Sandin 23. Ideally, Dubas finds a way to lock up the pair on long term deals with very reasonable cap hits. These will be interesting negotiations.

The third restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman is Kristians Rubins. He played in three games for the Leafs this year without registering a point. He also took to the ice for 58 games with the Marlies where he scored a goal and added 10 helpers. If he’s coming back to Toronto, it will be in a Marlies uniform.

Forwards

There are just two forwards who are set to become RFAs. They are Pierre Engvall and Ondrej Kase. Both are arbitration eligible, which means that the Leafs could make qualifying offers of $1.25 million each. This is a set amount from the NHL based on the players current salaries. Accepting a qualifying offer sets their salary for one year. Should Engvall or Kase go to arbitration, the Leafs will lose control of what the player earns on their deal, which can be very risky.

The Leafs will be hoping to get both forwards without giving them significant raises. If the team’s salary cap starts to get squeezed, they will need to make at least one sacrifice to their squad. The most likely choice is Alex Kerfoot. With a $3.5 million cap hit, Kerfoot may be the first one out to retain the pair of Engvall and Kase.

With the Maple Leafs engaged in a playoff battle, which they hope results in their longest run in decades, free agency is a long way off. Hopefully, there is a lot of hockey left for them to play before the club needs to begin negotiating with its upcoming free agents.