Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 10 Available NHL Free-Agents

May 24, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) makes a save against the Florida Panthers during the second period in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 08: Jason Zucker #16 of the Pittsburgh Penguins (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Jason Zucker

With the arrival of Reilly Smith, it seems more likely the Pittsburgh Penguins will not re-sign Jason Zucker this year.

The 31-year-old right-winger is incredibly underrated and a few years of injuries made him fly under the radar.

Offensively, he could always score and that was on full-display last year, as he registered 27 goals and 48 points.

Goals are always a hot commodity in the NHL, but based on his age and health issues, there’s a chance that someone could sign Zucker to a cheaper contract than maybe what he’s deserved.

For the past few seasons, the Leafs left-wing position has always been one of their weaker spots, so Zucker would be a great fit there.

Similar to Bertuzzi, even on a cheaper contract, it doesn’t feel like the Leafs are going to value a winger high on their list this year and would be better focused on a defenseman, so I don’t expect Zucker to sign in Toronto but he should be someone who gets scooped up quickly.

Zucker has long been an underrated player and if the deal is reasonable he could provide excellent value.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

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