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Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 10 Available NHL Free-Agents

By Stephen Nixon

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
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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Toronto Maple Leafs
ST LOUIS, MO – NOVEMBER 21: John Klingberg #3 of the Anaheim Ducks shoots the puck against the St. Louis Blues in the second period at Enterprise Center on November 21, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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.

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