No. 2: Zdeno Chara
The 45-year-old hasn’t officially retired yet and until he does, the Leafs should continue to try to sign him.
Chara is a different breed and his age shouldn’t impact a decision to sign him. He’s still one of the strongest players in the NHL and his experience alone would help the Leafs defense-core.
In 72 games last year, Chara had 14 points, but most importantly, he showed he could still play and be healthy.
Toronto’s defensive-group is pretty much set, but on a league minimum contract, Chara would be a perfect seventh defenseman for this team.
He would add size and strength to a defensive-core that lacks those attributes and he would still be an intimidating player. After he punished the Leafs for years, it would be great to finally see him in our line-up, especially in the playoffs, when you need him the most.
Chara’s 200 playoff games of experience will be incredibly beneficial to this team, even if he’s in the press-box most nights, so if he still wants to play in the NHL this year, the Leafs should 100 percent look to sign him.