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3 Decisions the Toronto Maple Leafs Must Get Right This Offseason

By Jeremiah Lee

Mar 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) gets ready for a faceoff during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) gets ready for a faceoff during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8)  . Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8)  . Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Trade Jake Muzzin (or TJ Brodie)

Jake Muzzin is still a serviceable defenseman… But with many RFAs needing new contracts, he may have to go. His 5.625 million salary has to be moved to ice a competitive roster on par with the skill and speed of the league’s best.

Who could Jake Muzzin be traded to? And what could they get in return? I won’t speculate that.

However, if Muzzin is traded along with TJ Brodie, they will open up 10.625 million dollars in cap space to add on to their current 7.8 million.

With over 18 million in cap space (~22 million in space if Mrazek is also traded). This opens up the opportunity to not only sign everyone back, BUT this could give them the opportunity of signing players to improve the team.

With big contracts moved out that brings in arguably better players for the long run, the team has to look at another defenseman to pair with Morgan Rielly. I think Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin will become regulars next season, so the Maple Leafs need that second key defenseman contenders need to win. I think they can find it… But the way it could happen may not be what fans want.

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