What The Toronto Maple Leafs Need To Do With All Their Pending Free Agents

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi

Many Leaf fans will probably want these guys back in the blue and white next year. Both of these guys stepped up their game in Mitch Marner's absence late in the regular season, then again in the playoffs when Auston Matthews and William Nylander were dealing with injuries. 

However, the problem is that both of these guys are likely due for a pay raise after this season, which shows they can significantly impact a contending team. Considering their defensive and goaltending issues last season, the Leafs' front office can only afford to spend a little of their salary cap on forwards. 

In addition, the Maple Leafs have plenty of forwards that can fill these two spots in the top six. Names like Nicholas Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies come to mind. But they also have Easton Cowen and Fraser Minten, who could be ready to jump to the NHL next season. 

Given the somewhat limited cap space, the Maple Leafs need to spend money elsewhere to fill bigger holes; the best I can see the front office doing here is getting one of these guys resigned. 

While Domi is a near-elite playmaker and passer, Bertuzzi is the guy I would resign.

The Maple Leafs have enough playmakers in their top six, with Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner.

Outside of his passing ability, Domi has little to offer. Bertuzzi does have his flaws, but he graded as an above-average goalscorer and passer last season while ranking in the top 11 percent in forecheck involvement among forwards. He fits the Leafs needs better than Domi, but I would not be shocked if both guys go on to get more significant contacts elsewhere.