According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are “... considering left-wing options." He recently posted his infamous 32 thoughts column and it was chalk-full of tidbits and anecdotes.
The most relevant to us was slid all the way to the back at 31, he dropped a mini-bomb that the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to address their left-wing situation, as they should be.
The forward depth is one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses. Of course, this could be slightly curtailed by re-signing restricted free agent, Nick Robertson and adding top prospect Easton Cowan to the roster.
At this stage of the off-season there is not a lot of options left with most teams having their rosters mainly set and ready for training camps in less than a month. There is also the added wrinkle that the Leafs currently only have around $1.2 million in projected space heading into this season. This would make any trade or signing more complicated as they would likely have to move money out. Keeping that in mind, I have found a handful of players that I feel makes the most sense.
Free Agency
The unrestricted free agent market at this point in the summer is lacking impact options. There are a few over the hill players like; 35-year-old James Van Riemsdyk, PP specialist Mike Hoffman, and injury prone Max Pacioretty. None of which eclipsed 40-points last season. There are also a few potential buy-low candidates available but all of these options come with some risk of not working out and leaving the team right back to square one. They are also at best, likely incomplete solutions.
James Van Riemsdyk
In saying that, a JVR return on a one-year league minimum deal might not be the worst idea as a depth forward option. He has hovered in and around the 0.5 point-per-game mark the past few seasons and could conceivably fill a sheltered role if need be. He is also capable of scoring “playoff style” greasy goals which the Leafs need. The risk of decline does become much greater as players age but based on recent history, he could still have something left in the tank.