No. 4: John Klingberg
After being one of the biggest name defenseman during free agency last year, Klingberg took a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks and delayed his big pay-day.
This might have been a mistake because he had an absolutely awful season.
He was a little forgettable in Anaheim and then again in Minnesota, after being traded, but he should be a popular player on July 1st.
The 6-foot-3, 190 pound defenseman has all of the tools that Toronto, and many others team value.
Obviously, his size is an important piece, but offensively, he’s elite. It’s been roughly three years now, but his play during the NHL Bubble, helping the Dallas Stars reach the Stanley Cup Finals proved his worth.
He had four goals, 21 points in 24 playoff games and played a ton of minutes during their big run.
They ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Finals, but he was spectacular.
Klingberg signed a contract worth $7M last year, but after a weak season he may be available much cheaper.
The Toronto Maple Leafs desperately need help on their blue-line and should shed some salary up-front if it means bringing in Klingberg.