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Toronto Maple Leafs Players Who Likely Won’t Be Returning

By Jeff Borsuk

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: Justin Holl #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 31, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Jets 7-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: Justin Holl #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 31, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Jets 7-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Apr 29, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Michael Bunting (58) c . Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Noel Acciari

It will be interesting to see what the Leafs do with Noel Acciari. He was another trade deadline pickup. However, unlike O’Reilly, Acciari isn’t a game changing player. He could be a depth piece but is far less likely to not return next season.

Chance of remaining on the Toronto Maple Leafs: 35%

Michael Bunting

The most interesting of the Leafs’ UFAs has to be Michael Bunting. He has been a lightning rod of controversy as the NHL’s Stone Cold Steve Austin. With the extra attention he attracts from referees, the Buds will need to decide whether Bunting’s offense is worth the time he spends in the penalty box.

Thanks to Bunting having back-to-back seasons scoring over 20 goals, he is due a big raise. This season, he earned just $950k. While the organization would want to keep the left-winger, they will most likely use the space they would need for Bunting to keep O’Reilly.

Chance of remaining on the Toronto Maple Leafs: 45%

Wayne Simmonds

If Toronto couldn’t find space for Wayne Simmonds even after Bunting was suspended for three games, there’s no reason to expect him to return for another year. He is strongly suspected to be retiring after the season.

Chance of remaining on the Toronto Maple Leafs: 1% 

Zach Aston-Reese

Zach Aston-Reese has been a cheap fourth line player. He’s exactly what the Leafs will be looking for again next season. If the club and Aston-Reese can come to terms where he remains close to being paid league minimum, he could be on his way back to the Big Smoke.

Chance of remaining on the Toronto Maple Leafs: 70%

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