3 Veteran Defenseman Toronto Maple Leafs Should Give PTO

Jan 22, 2022; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Wayne Simmonds (24) collide along the boards during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2022; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Wayne Simmonds (24) collide along the boards during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
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Toronto Maple Leafs, P.K. Subban
Mar 23, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Colin Blackwell (11) battles for position with New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban (76) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3: P.K. Subban

We’re halfway through September and P.K. Subban still doesn’t have an NHL contract for next year. Is it possible that the 33-year-old will go from making $9M AAV to a PTO?

We’ll just have to wait and see, but I really hope it’s true and that PTO is signed with the Leafs.

Since we’re so close to training camp, Subban’s leverage is completely gone, as there are only so many spots available for him to play. If he’s looking to make a lot of money again, those options are even more limited, as I’m sure the Arizona Coyotes would sign him tomorrow, but I doubt he wants to play there.

I don’t know this for a fact, but I have to believe, Subban wants to play for Toronto, before he retires. His personality and skillset is meant for the Leafs and it would be a shame if the two parties never reached an agreement.

We’re only days away from training camp opens, so Toronto needs to strike and make this happen. You don’t need to commit to a bunch of money and term right away with Subban, but instead, sign him to a PTO and see what happens.

If he’s even half the player he was back in his Montreal Canadiens days, then sign him right away. The manifestation of Subban becoming a Toronto Maple Leaf continues once again and hopefully it happens ASAP.