3 Still Available UFA’s Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target

For whatever reason, it doesn’t feel like the Toronto Maple Leafs roster is set, yet.

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t made a move in weeks and the team is tight to the salary cap, this doesn’t feel like the roster that will start on opening night.

Training camp will determine the last few spots on the team, and although those may not seem important, they’re crucial. The reason they’re so necessary is because depth is vital during an 82-game season as injuries happen on a nightly basis.

You may think you’ve crafted the perfect 23-man roster, but if a few players get injured, it’s all of a sudden not as perfect as you thought, if you don’t have depth.

If the season started today, the Leafs roster would still be a playoff team, but there’s still a ton of questions. The top-six left-wing isn’t established, the bottom-six of the forwards are mediocre and the goaltending is in question.

Even the defense has many questions, as this team looks a lot different if they don’t sign Rasmus Sandin.

With only a few weeks left until the regular season starts, there are still a number of unsigned UFA’s who could help this roster. As such, here are three UFA’s that are still available who the Toronto Maple Leafs should sign.

No. 1: P.K Subban

How many times can I write about the Leafs signing P.K Subban? 100 times? 1000 times?

Until it actually happens, I’ll continue to write it because I’m trying to manifest this into existence. Subban isn’t the Norris Trophy winner he used to be, but he’ll be rejuvenated playing in front of his friends and family every night.

I’m assuming that he hasn’t signed anywhere yet because he’s asking for too much money, but if Subban really wants to raise his stock, he should join the Leafs on a one-year deal. If he’s committed to 82 games and shows that he’s a legitimate top-four defenseman in Toronto, than another team will come calling next year.

Subban should bet on himself and the Leafs should bet on him because the two are a match made in heaven.

Toronto needs a big shot from the blue-line and could use his size on the right side of the defense. This signing needs to happen ASAP because I’m sick of writing about it.

No. 3: Derek Stepan

Stepan signed a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Carolina Hurricanes but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll play there this year. As such, if he becomes available, Toronto should seriously consider bringing in the 32-year-old.

if you’re a Leafs fan, do you really have faith in the team’s fourth-line right now? I mean, the fourth-line probably isn’t going to make or break the year, but wouldn’t you rather have some depth veterans you trust, than some rookies you don’t?

When it comes to veteran talent that can be reliable, Stepan can be that player.

He was never as skilled as Jason Spezza, but Stepan could play a similar role to what Spezza did for the Toronto Maple Leafs the last few years and be someone you’re not afraid to throw on the ice in a big moment, to take an important face-off.

Stepan’s had a solid career, and although it hasn’t been too flashy, he’s been consistent. As a second or third-line centre for most of his career, Stepan was an impact player with the New York Rangers during their long-run’s in the playoffs and is still someone who can contribute.

It obviously depends on the PTO with the Hurricanes, but on a league-minimum deal, Stepan could be a perfect fit in Toronto if he doesn’t end up staying in Carolina.