Who the Toronto Maple Leafs Could Lose to Free Agency This Summer
By Jeff Borsuk
NHL free agency begins at noon on July 13, 2022 EDT. The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to lose some of their current players once that window opens.
There are a number of significant options that the Toronto Maple Leafs may chase this summer once the free agency market opens. To do so means that room will need to made on the roster. Look no further for possible departures than to the players with expiring contracts.
According to CapFriendly, there are seven players who can walk away from the Maple Leafs in search of a new club.
They represent all three positions.
Goaltenders
Michael Hutchinson
Toronto Maple Leafs fans may not even remember that the club’s fourth goaltender this season has been familiar to them, Michael Hutchinson. Those fans are forgiven, especially considering that he only played two games with the Leafs this year and 28 with their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Toronto promoted Erik Kallgren to save the team when it was struggling with injuries to Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek instead of giving Hutchinson a chance between the pipes. Additionally, they tried to sign Finnish goalie Harri Sateri only for the move to be thwarted by the Arizona Coyotes who claimed him on waivers.
These moves suggest that the Maple Leafs do not trust Hutchinson anymore. After a four year relationship, expect to see the two part ways.
Jack Campbell
It was reported in November that the Buds and their number-one stopper, Jack Campbell, were engaged in contract negotiations. So far, that hasn’t resulted in a new deal and there is no guarantee that it will.
Campbell is currently earning $1.65 million for the season, which has been a bargain for the Leafs. He is due a large raise after posting a respectable 2.64 goals-against average and a 0.914 save percentage in the regular season. Toronto won’t be the only organization interested in Campbell’s services. Other clubs will very likely tender offers, which should drive his price up.
Expect the stopper to re-sign in Toronto, but at this point, it’s in his best interest to wait until free agency opens before making a decision.