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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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What About the Maple Leafs Goaltending?


The Leafs don't appear to have an interest in bringing back Samsonov. The unrestricted class of free-agent goaltenders is weak. There are no stars to be found. It's full of journeymen, and aging goalies.

Joseph Woll has shown he has what it takes to be the team's number-one goaltender. A major problem, however, is his injury history.

The Maple Leafs need insurance since Woll's career high in games played is just twenty-five, twenty-eight including playoffs.

Securing a goalie through a trade is a risky proposition. Mitch Marner for Juuse Saros is not a deal the Leafs should make. Besides, there are a lot of hurdles to overcome in completing a Marner trade.

You don't trade superstar skaters for goalies because goalies are too unpredictable. Barring injury, you know what you'll get out of Marner ever year. Goalies do not have this level of predictably, which is why you rarely see goalies fetch large trade packages.

The Leafs best option is to go with Woll and have two veterans to back him up. Free-agent Cam Talbot of the Los Angeles Kings is an option along with bringing back Jones in a third goalie role. Dennis Hildeby could get another season of development with the Toronto Marlies.

What Should The Leafs Do in Free Agency?

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to go hard at the best right-handed defensemen in free agency. Their young forwards like Robertson, Knies, and one of Cowan or Minten should play larger roles. A veteran, lower-cost free agent can also fill a spot.

If the price and terms are right a spot should be found for Bertuzzi, but not if it prohibits helping the defense.

The Leafs have to take some risks in goal with Woll's injury, and few options to be found in free agency or through trade.

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The best course of action is for the Toronto Maple Leafs to say goodbye to their current crop of free agents. Internal promotion on the forward units and signing outside free-agent defensemen is the way to go.

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