2022 Free Agent Frenzy: Toronto Maple Leafs

With Free Agency creeping up, GMs are working tirelessly around the clock to make sure they better their team for the upcoming NHL season. Whether it’s to sell players on the market to build cap space or to bring in players that can help your team compete for a Stanley Cup. There are a few teams in the league that are in a “win now” situation and one of them are the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kyle Dubas has a lot of decisions to make to get his team back on track for another Stanley Cup playoff run. What needs to be done? What’s going to happen with goaltending? Do the Leafs need to move bigger pieces to make room? Here are some scenarios that could happen this off season.

Who do they keep from last year?

According to capfriendly.com, Pierre Engvall, Ondrej Kase, Colin Blackwell, Rasmus Sandin, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Ilya Mikheyev all need new contracts for next season.

Ilya Mikheyev

Earlier reports say that Mikheyev’s agent said they are looking for 4.5-5.5 million on the open market. If the reports are true, I would say going back to Toronto is about 0%. The Maple Leafs have a tight budget and I believe they can find a player like Mikheyev that can produce similar numbers and cost less than 4.5 million.

Pierre Engvall

Engvall is a speedy young forward that can play up and down the Maple Leafs lineup. If they can work out a deal that would cost them less than 2 million, I think that would be a great fit for Toronto.

Ondrej Kase

Kase is a young player that can fit well in the third line role. It took time for him to get used to the line-up. By the second half, he knew what his role was for the Maple Leafs. Spending most of his time on the third line, he produced 14 goals and 13 assists in 50 games. I believe his agent will be looking in the 2-3 million range for his next contract, not sure if this will work out for Toronto. Expect Kase to hit the free agent market.

Colin Blackwell

Blackwell came to the Maple Leafs as part of the Giordano trade from Seattle. He played most of his time on the fourth line grinding it out with Spezza, Simmonds, and sometimes with Clifford. It’s time for some of the young Marlies players to get their shot at a permanent position on the Leafs roster. Expect Blackwell to hit free agency.

Rasmus Sandin

If I was Kyle Dubas, Rasmus Sandin is your number one target to sign. At the age of 22, Sandin has been getting his feet wet on the Maple Leafs roster. Spending time on the second PP unit and seems to be feeling more and more confident as the games progress in his career. Being able to lock him in on a multi-year deal is a priority for the Maple Leafs management.

Ilya Lyubushkin

This may have been one of the best trades that Dubas made last year. Being able to dump Ritchie and his overpriced contract was a great move. In return, the Leafs got a defenceman that isn’t afraid to use his body. The Maple Leafs need players that are willing to sacrifice their bodies to win games, especially in the playoffs. If they can get him on a 1 or 2 year deal under 1.5, I think that is good for both parties.

Goalie Issues…again

One of the hardest positions to play in sports. Not just being a goalie, but to play it in one of the hardest markets in North America. Once again, the Maple Leafs find themselves in a tough position. Do they resign Jack Campbell or test free agency? There are rumours swirling around that Campbell wants a multi-year deal worth $5 Million. If he can play like he did in the first half of last season, then I would say it’s worth it. If you are getting the Jack Campbell from the second half, then I would let him walk. It’s a tough decision Dubas will have to make.

Cam Talbot

A goalie that has been around the league for many years. With Fleury signing a two year deal in Minnesota, where does that leave Talbot. Sources say his agent is very unhappy and if they can’t work something out, he may request to be traded. His number have been up and down over the years but with Mrazek and Campbell not signing, Talbot may be one of very few options to take. The only upside, it won’t cost too much to acquire Talbot.

Darcy Kuemper

Coming off a Stanley Cup win, Kuemper is looking for a new contract. I’m sure Colorado is in the mix to resign him but on the slightest chance he doesn’t, this could be an option for Toronto. 37 wins this season, a 2.54 GAA and a 0.921 save %. A big goalie who can win you hockey games at important parts of the season, especially playoffs.

Free Agent Predictions

A deep free agency list gives a lot of opportunity for the Maple Leafs to strengthen their team. The big names like Malkin, Giroux, and Gaudreau can be marked off the list because they will be too much money for Toronto. The focus would need to be bottom six forwards and defencemen. Here are some options the Maple Leafs could look at.

Darren Helm - 1 Year x $1 Million

Coming off a Stanley Cup victory, Helm played a significant role on the bottom six. Putting up 2 goals and 3 assists in 20 playoff games. A veteran player that still can bring speed to any team. With limited minutes in the playoffs, Helm was able to bring a solid two-way game and was a key piece to their Stanley Cup run.

Riley Sheahan - 1 Year x $850,000

Sheahan signed as a free agent to the newly Seattle Kraken. Being in the league for over ten years, Sheahan can play a great bottom six role to Toronto. He never brought high point totals but he can be relied on his faceoffs and strong defensive play.

Jordie Benn - 2 Years x $1 Million AAV

If you look at the Toronto Maple Leafs as a whole, one thing they are missing is grit and size. This is something Jordie Benn can bring. Being able to bring some grit on the back end will make the Leafs are tougher team. There is nothing wrong with building depth on the blueline so having a two year deal in place would make sense for both Benn and the Maple Leafs.

Overall, the management office in Toronto have a lot of work to do to be ready for the upcoming season. With the window slowly closing, Dubas will need to bring in the right pieces so the Leafs can compete in a very tough division.