Believe it or not, the Toronto Maple Leafs exceeded expectations in the shortened 2012-13 season.
After surprisingly dismissing GM Brian Burke before puck drop, the Leafs were expected to extend their playoff drought and be in the Nathan MacKinnon-Seth Jones conversation.
But a young group of players emerged for Toronto, and coach Randy Carlyle helped turn the Leafs into a playoff club for the first time since 2003-04.
While it’s easy to remember their horrific Game 7 collapse against the Boston Bruins, the Leafs took a huge step forward in 2012-13.
Now the next step for GM Dave Nonis and Carlyle is helping build off their impressive playoff performance and add pieces to help turn the Leafs into a legitimate contender.
WHO SHOULD RE-SIGN
Projected cap room: $19,495,833 (via capgeek.com)
The Leafs’ biggest off-season question comes at centre, where Nonis has a decision to make on Tyler Bozak. The team already has a lot of money tied into Mikhail Grabovski (salary cap hit of $5.5 million until 2016-17), and it remains unclear how much they’d be willing to pay Bozak. His market value could exceed what the team believes he is worth.
In terms of restricted free agents (RFAs), the Leafs have two key players to sign in Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson — both of whom took huge strides this season. Kadri should be a Top 6 player for years to come but could be a tough guy to sign after only really producing in the lockout-shortened season. His late-season slump could affect his asking price.
Franson was basically an afterthought coming into the season but is quickly developing into a top-four defender for Toronto and is a must-sign piece on the blue line.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Tyler Bozak, centre: Tough call for Leafs. Bozak will see his best opportunity with Toronto but could certainly command more money on the open market.
Clarke MacArthur, left wing: Future up in the air. Played well in the playoffs after uneventful season.
Colton Orr, right wing: Favourite of Carlyle. Showed improvement after working with Dallas Eakins in AHL.
Tim Connolly, centre: Won’t be back in Toronto. Nonis wasn’t able to unload him at deadline.
Ryan Hamilton, left wing: Hard worker that can fill in when needed. Expected back with Marlies.
Ryan O’Byrne, defence: Filled void as depth defenceman. Leafs probably look to upgrade instead.
Mike Kostka, defence: Exposed as season went on. Not a horrible option as No. 7 blue-liner.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Nazem Kadri, centre: Was scoring at a crazy rate before late-season slump. Short-term deal would be ideal for both sides.
Joe Colborne, centre: Still a project, but Leafs like upside. Potential Bozak fill-in.
Leo Komarov, centre: Pesky forward helped change Leafs’ identity. Nice bottom-six player.
Frazer McLaren, left wing: Carlyle favourite during regular season but a very replaceable piece.
Cody Franson, defence: Took huge step forward in 2013. Developed into a core figure on defence.
Carl Gunnarsson, defence: Reliable piece for back-end who should return in 2013-14.
Mark Fraser, defence: Performed above expectations, but future remains unclear after injury.
FREE AGENT FITS
David Clarkson, right wing: Leafs still need size in top-six, and Clarkson is that rare tough guy who can also score.
Mike Ribeiro, centre: Would be a nice fit with Phil Kessel or Joffrey Lupul if Leafs move on from Bozak.
Rob Scuderi, defence: Veteran would be ideal addition to blue line that lacks toughness, experience.
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