3 Cheap Forwards the Toronto Maple Leafs Could Still Sign

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ELMONT, NEW YORK – MARCH 07: Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders celebrates his third period goal against the Buffalo Sabres at the UBS Arena on March 07, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

3 Cheap Forwards The Toronto Maple Leafs Could Still Sign This Offseason

1. Josh Bailey

The left-shooting winger is 6’1 and was drafted 9th overall back in 2009 (the same draft that saw John Tavares go first-overall)

The former 9th overall pick was recently bought out by the team he’s spent his whole career with, opening the door for the player to take on a different role with a new club and think about adding a Stanley Cup to his resume.

This makes Josh Bailey a realistic option for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team looking to add to its bottom six at a cheap number, given his $2.22 million in earnings from the New York Islanders for this season.

Bailey can also play left winger, a position the Leafs have notoriously lacked depth at, giving them the ability to get creative with Bailey’s role up and down the lineup if he were to sign.

It’s hard to imagine Bailey taking a league minimum contract, but crazier things have happened, and if he’s sign for cheap, he’d be a good option.

Bailey would be an excellent fit joining a team captained by his former captain and teammate, John Tavares. The only downside here is that the Leafs do need to leave room for the promotion of prospects, and you don’t want to block anyone’s path with a glut of borderline NHL players.

Still, I believe Bailey has more to give and would be an excellent addition.

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