5 Free Agent Defensemen Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target

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Brandon Montour

Brandon Montour could be the right-shooting defenseman for the top defense pair that the Leafs have needed for years. He could be the perfect partner for Morgan Rielly. Montour has a combination of offensive skills and is a heavy hitter. His only weakness is giveaways, but hopefully, those lessen by pairing up with Rielly.

Montour registered eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 66 games this season. He also registered 67 blocked shots and 104 hits. Over the past two seasons, Montour has averaged over 23 minutes of ice time a game.

He should be able to slide into the Leafs top defense pair with no problem. Montour has a career total of 66 goals and 186 assists for 252 points in 520 games over eight seasons. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)

One important stat to point out is Montour's 50 power-play points over the last two seasons. Adding him to the Leafs power play could solve their power-play struggles. He also has a good amount of playoff experience.

Montour has recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 67 playoff games. He is still battling in the 2024 NHL playoffs with the Florida Panthers, meaning this stat could change.

Montour is 30 years old and coming off a deal with a $3.5 million salary cap hit. Acquiring Montour will not be cheap as he will be looking for a multi-year contract and one last big payday.

A good bet is that he will want $5 million a season or higher. The Leafs can afford it, but they will need to spend wisely elsewhere. (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)

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