The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a crucial offseason with approximately $22 million in cap space and 20 players already under contract. The free agent market presents limited, highly contested options. Several players could potentially align with the Leafs’ needs:
- Darren Raddysh (Tampa Bay Lightning, RHD): A Toronto native and late bloomer, Raddysh could command around $7 million.
- Alex Tuch (Buffalo Sabres, RW): A proven top-six winger expected to seek $10-$11 million annually.
- Rasmus Andersson (Vegas Golden Knights, RHD): Previously a target of former GM Brad Treliving, Andersson would likely require a raise. Trading Morgan Rielly could free up the necessary cap space.
- Jack Roslovic (Edmonton Oilers, C/W): A versatile forward capable of playing multiple positions and contributing offensively, Roslovic scored 22 goals in 69 games and is looking for an increase from his $1.5 million salary.
- Jacob Trouba (Anaheim Ducks, RHD): The 32-year-old defenseman averaged nearly 23 minutes per game, recording 35 points while blocking 149 shots and delivering 143 hits.
- Connor Murphy (Edmonton Oilers, RHD): Linked to the Leafs before the trade deadline, Murphy is not an offensive force but could be an upgrade on the third pairing compared to current options like Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, and Troy Stecher.
In their search for a new General Manager, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly considering several candidates. The team aims to finalize this decision by the end of April, though an earlier conclusion this week is also possible, despite an initial target of late May set by Keith Pelley.
Potential GM candidates include:
- Mike Gillis: Former GM of the Vancouver Canucks (2008-2014), he has not been with an NHL team since.
- Ryan Martin: Currently the Assistant GM for the New York Rangers and GM of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, he has also interviewed with the Nashville Predators.
- John Chayka: The former GM of the Arizona Coyotes, his tenure was marked by controversial actions, including listening to offers while under contract and unauthorized testing of draft prospects.
- Scott White: Director of Hockey Operations for the Dallas Stars and GM of the AHL’s Texas Stars, he has attracted interest from the Canucks and Predators.
- Evan Gold: Assistant GM for the Boston Bruins.
Beyond the General Manager position, other individuals are being considered for roles within the Maple Leafs’ hockey operations department. Given that Ryan Martin, Scott White, and Evan Gold have assistant GM experience, the Leafs might also look to hire a Director of Hockey Operations if one of them is appointed. Mike Gillis, while perhaps not being considered for the GM role, could be a candidate for a supervisory position. Mats Sundin has been mentioned as a potential advisor, and Darren Dreger has suggested Gary Roberts as a possible consultant.
