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Should The Toronto Maple Leafs Re-sign Any of Their Unrestricted Free Agents?

The Leafs notable UFAs include Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Ilya Samsonov. The Maple Leafs should look elsewhere unless they can sign them for less than market value.

By Jeremy Franks

Feb 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (59) celebrates his goal with center Max Domi (11) and right-winger William Nylander (88) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (59) celebrates his goal with center Max Domi (11) and right-winger William Nylander (88) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have hired a new head coach, their attention can turn to filling out the roster in preparation for the 2024-2025 season.

General Manager Brad Treliving and the Toronto maple Leafs are projected to have around $18.5 million in cap space for the start of free agency on July 1st.

The Leafs list of notable unrestricted free agents includes Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Ilya Samsonov. Defensemen Joel Edmundson, T.J. Brodie, Ilya Lyubushkin, Mark Giordano, and John Klingberg are UFAs. Goaltenders Martin Jones and Matt Murray are also scheduled to hit the UFA market.

Reports suggest the Leafs are in the early stages of talks with Domi and Bertuzzi about extending their stay in Toronto. If both players return, the deals would put a significant dent in the team's cap space.

Should The Toronto Maple Leafs Re-sign Any of Their Unrestricted Free Agents?

Domi and Bertuzzi have expressed their desire to return to the Leafs. Each is coming off a one-year deal and looking for long-term security.

That presents a problem. The Leafs have more pressing needs than signing forwards. The team's most glaring weaknesses are on the blue line and in goal. Signing Domi and Bertuzzi will use too much of their available cap space.

On top of that, the Leafs best prospects play forward. Left-winger Matthew Knies was one of the team's best forwards during the playoffs. Nick Robertson is ready for an increased role. Easton Cowan is coming off a dominant season with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights. Fraser Minten looks like he can be an NHL regular.

The Leafs best course of action is supplementing their stars up front with their young prospects. Making a long-term commitment to Domi and Bertuzzi for market value would hinder the team's ability to improve their defense and goaltending.

Last year's combined salary of the two forwards was $8.5 million. Should their combined asking price for the coming season exceed that amount, the Leafs need to walk away.

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