3 Still Available UFA’s Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils takes the puck during the second period 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 takes the puck during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
4 of 4
Toronto Maple Leafs
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 18: Derek Stepan #18 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his goal against the Boston Bruins with his teammates during the first period at the TD Garden on January 18, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

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.