A Report Card For the Toronto Maple Leafs Free Agent Signings
Oliver Ekman-Larsson
The signing of Ekman-Larsson counters what Tanev brings. He brings offense to the blue line. He can help with the power play and in transition, getting the puck to the Leafs stars up front.
Being on the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers increased his value. After signing for 1-year at $2.5 million last summer with Florida, the Maple Leafs made a four-year commitment for $14 million, a $3.5 million AAV.
Ekman-Larsson is 32. The Leafs back end will now be counting on three, thirty-plus-year-old defensemen to play over twenty minutes a night on defense.
The left-handed defenseman's offensive abilities combined with the Maple Leafs talent at forward is intriguing, but a four-year deal is excessive. Both the additions on defense have a "boom" or "bust" feel.
Grade: C-
Stolarz Signing Is a Potential Hit
Prior reports of the Leafs interest in signing Stolarz came to fruition. Since Toronto missed out on Jakob Markstrom and others on the trade market, it was apparent a backup with some promise would be attained.
Stolarz is coming off a strong season with the Panthers, enhanced by that team's commitment to defense. He has shown flashes during his years as a backup. Most intriguing is his size. He stands 6'6" and covers a lot of net.
Like Woll, Stolarz has never experienced a heavy workload. His career high in games played is 28. His deal is for two years and $5 million. The terms and price are right for a goalie who will be motivated by an opportunity for more playing time with a new team.