3 Cheap Forwards the Toronto Maple Leafs Could Still Sign
By Marco Rovere
2. Paul Stastny
As a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, Paul Stastny notched just 22 points, playing mostly on the fourth line of one of the best teams in the NHL.
Despite a lackluster 2022-23 season, Stastny entered the year coming off a 21-goal 45-point season with the Winnipeg Jets and would add depth scoring to a Maple Leafs team in desperate need of it.
The former 2nd overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft is also a versatile forward who could play down the middle of the ice and made just $1.5 million AAV this past year, something the Toronto Maple Leafs would look to cut in half.
On the Leafs, I envision Statsny playing on a hypothetical line with David Kampf and Ryan Reaves where he and Kampf could share C responsibilities.
Stastny also has a history of playing on the penalty kill for several teams in the past, but at 37 years old, it would be hard to envision that scenario if he were to end up on the Leafs.
Stastny has also played 118 playoff games in his career.