5 Free Agents the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign

Kyle Dubas, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Kyle Dubas, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs, Brett Howden
Nov 2, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden (21) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8)  Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Howden

Current Team:  Vegas Golden Knights
Age: 24
2021-22 Stats: 47 Games, 9 Goals, 20 Points
Current Salary: $885,000
Projected Salary: $750,000
Role: Bottom-Six Centre

Brett Howden was drafted in the first round (27th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016.  Like Jonathan Dahlén, he wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer as an RFA and is now another one of the youngest UFA’s available.

Howden has had some up and down seasons offensively, but last season was his best yet.  He has crafted a great defensive game however, and he’s another big (6’3) hard-working player that would fit perfectly onto the Toronto Maple Leafs third line.

In many ways, he would be an upgrade to David Kampf, and his youth and potential would benefit a great deal from Toronto’s excellent development team.