Editor In Leaf
Fansided

3 UFA’s Still Available That Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign

By Stephen Nixon

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils bounces the puck during warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils bounces the puck during warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Torotno Maple Leafs
ELMONT, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the New York Islanders skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena on April 29, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Editorials