Breaking down the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of NHL Free Agency.
Updated: Sunday, June 29
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 14 | Restricted: 8 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”tor” season=”2013″]
Maple Leafs overview
Even one of the most dangerous lines in hockey — Tyler Bozak flanked by roommate Phil Kessel and first-time 30-goal man James van Riemsdyk — couldn’t cover up for the Maple Leafs’ defensive deficiencies down the stretch. Bowing out of the 2014 playoff race with a whimper, dropping 12 of their last 14 games, Toronto kept general manager Dave Nonis and (somewhat surprisingly) head coach Randy Carlyle. Instead, the club fired Carlyle’s support staff and hired a new president, Hall of Fame player and former league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, to overhaul a shell-shocked group.
You already know the head-scratching story of the Leafs’ confounding season: they gave up more free shots than your buddy the bartender (a league-worst 35.9 per game), but scored key goals from a cadre of game-breakers and got difficult saves when they needed ’em. New assistant coaches will be tasked with implementing a fresh system in hopes of limiting shots against — the death of the 2013-14 Leafs.
Nonis spent more than $36 million last July on David Clarkson, a player who had nine fights and just five goals in 2013-14, so he might be wary of chasing free agents and stick to trades this summer. Big changes have been promised to Leafs Nation, and Toronto is expected to endure a major shakeup with the goal of making just its second playoff appearance in the last 10 seasons.
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| Click player positions to see depth chart | ||
Areas to address
De-fence. Goaltenders Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer bailed the Leafs out on numerous occasions last season, and it is imperative that Toronto find a reliable top-four defenceman to cut down on the giveaways and missed assignments. Young Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner take chances, sure, but they are special talents. And with Gardiner a restricted free agent, Nonis needs to settle a deal quickly before he has another Cody Franson situation on his hands. A decision (again) must be made on Franson and UFA Paul Ranger, but the most crucial piece on the blue line is Dion Phaneuf. A subject of rampant rumours, the captain could fetch a nice return in trade, although his $7-million price tag is a biggie.
Toronto would like to upgrade at centre, and UFA Dave Bolland (still not 100 percent after his Achilles injury) could be the odd man out if his asking price is too high. Decisions must be made on regulars Nikolai Kulemin, Mason Raymond and Jay McClement, some of whom will surely be permitted to find work elsewhere. Look for the Leafs to attempt to land a big name through trade: Imagine what a Joe Thornton would add to these forwards.
Toronto cannot bring James Reimer back. Despite playing a key role in ending the Leafs’ playoff drought in 2013, the RFA goaltender did not have the confidence of Carlyle toward season’s end. It will be better for both parties to find Reimer a new home.
Possible signing targets
Jake Gardiner (D): He takes risks, sure, but the upside on Gardiner, 23, is sky-high, and defencemen don’t peak this early.
Brad Richards (C): A proven winner and smart passer, Richards was considered a captain without a ‘C’ before the Rangers bought him out. And the Leafs need more leadership from within
Paul Stastny (C): He won’t come cheap but would instantly upgrade the team down the middle.
Leo Komarov (C/W): Available after a one-year stint overseas playing with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL and Team Finland internationally, the smart, gritty depth forward could return to the Leafs, providing them with sorely-needed impact on the checking line.
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