3 Buy-Low Free Agency Options For the Toronto Maple Leafs

Jakub Vrana

Projection: One-year, $842,000 AAV

The former 13th overall pick in 2014 has fallen far from grace.

Between a shoulder injury and substance abuse problems that forced him to enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the last few seasons have been a struggle for Vrana.

This has understandably had an impact on his on-ice performance, seeing him sitting in the press box and receiving multiple demotions to the AHL.

Despite all of this, Vrana has produced at an impressive rate over the past few seasons scoring 45 goals and 32 assist for 77 points in 122 games since 2020-21.

Before that, he was quickly rising the ranks with the Washington Capitals, scoring 24 goals and 47 points in 82 games in just his second full season in the NHL. He followed that up with an even more impressive 25 goals and 52 points in only 69 games. He is a high-scoring winger who possesses good offensive tools, namely an elite shot.

There is no doubting his talent level and if given the opportunity, he could prove to be a worthwhile addition to the Leafs. If they can bring him into the fold at his current projection, he could be a grand slam homerun signing.