How Will the Toronto Maple Leafs New Free Agent Signings Fit Into Their Lineup?
By Edward Eng
The Toronto Maple Leafs were swift in their work when they made the bulk of their free agent signings on the very first day the market opened.
One by one, the Toronto Maple Leafs quickly rounded up their main needs heading into the 2024-25 NHL season, which included some defensive help, as well as solidifying their goalie tandem situation in the process.
In doing so, the Maple Leafs appear to be set for the upcoming season with perhaps still a few loose ends that needs to be tied up.
For the time being, with the new faces on the roster, where will they eventually fit into the Leafs lineup? Here, we will take a look at the most notable signings made by the Leafs in free agency thus far and what their potential roles could be on the team.
How Will the Toronto Maple Leafs New Free Agent Signings Fit Into Their Lineup?
Chris Tanev
Known perhaps as one of the best defensive defenseman in the league, the Leafs did well when they reeled in the big fish in Chris Tanev.
He may not hurt the opposing team that much on the scoreboard as he has only tallied a total of 33 goals and 157 assists in 792 career games in the NHL.
But Tanev can certainly do practically everything else to help the team win, whether it be killing penalties, blocking shots, checking and hitting players, and clearing bodies from the front of the net for his goalie.
In terms of his role, the Leafs may have finally found the perfect top-pairing partner for Morgan Rielly after searching hard for almost the past decade.
With Tanev being one of the top defenders in the game, he will likely draw the opposing teams’ top lines with respect to his assignments.
He will also be the key leader on the Leafs top penalty kill unit, along with potentially forming an occasional elite shutdown unit with Jake McCabe to help close out games. But in reality, no matter where he plays, the Maple Leafs can expect superb defense at its best whenever Tanev takes the ice.