Calle Jarnkrok
Two years ago, the Maple Leafs appeared to have made a good deal when they signed Calle Jarnkrok to a four-year, $8.4 million deal in free agency during the 2022 offseason.
As a proven penalty kill specialist along with some offensive potential, Jarnkrok delivered in his first season with the club. he ended up posting career highs in goals (20) and points (39) while helping the Leafs to a 12th-ranked penalty kill in the league.
However, Jarnkrok had a more underwhelming year last season with the Maple Leafs, as he registered just 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points in 52 total games played.
At the same time, with Jarnkrok still a key part of the Leafs penalty kill unit, their efficiency rate with a man short fell to 76.9% to rank just 23rd overall in the entire NHL.
Not only that, but he was also a non-factor during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins. Jarnkrok recorded zero points in the seven-game series while giving up three more goals than they scored in all situations whenever he was on the ice.
This season, Jarnkrok hasn’t had the opportunity for redemption just yet as he began the year on the injured reserve with a lower-body injury. With no exact timeline of his return, he easily could become the odd man out as the team chemistry with the current core group on the ice could be perfected by the time Jarnkrok is fully recovered from his ailment.
Added to the fact that he has an annual salary cap hit of $2.1 million AAV, he could become a prime target for the Leafs to move when he ultimately gets back onto the ice.