Maple Leafs Eyeing Underrated Free Agents to Bolster Roster

As the free agency period approaches,the Toronto Maple Leafs are strategically evaluating a pool of underrated players to enhance their roster depth.While the free agent market may lack marquee superstars beyond Mitch Marner, it compensates with a wealth of quality depth that could significantly benefit the Leafs in the upcoming season. The focus is on identifying versatile players who can contribute in various roles and bring a multifaceted skill set to the team.

Potential Free Agent Targets for the Maple Leafs

Several players have emerged as potential fits for the Maple Leafs,offering a blend of skill,physicality,and versatility that aligns with the team’s needs.These players could provide valuable contributions across different lines and special teams, addressing key areas for improvement.

Anthony Beauvillier: Versatile Top-Nine Winger

Anthony Beauvillier stands out as a malleable forward capable of playing various roles within the top nine. despite his smaller stature (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), Beauvillier brings a tenacious edge to his game, particularly on the forecheck. His offensive capabilities are evident in his consistent goal-scoring record, having reached the 15-20 goal mark in six of the past eight seasons. Beauvillier excels in high-danger scoring areas, ranking in the NHL’s 91st percentile for high-danger shots last season. His playoff experience, with 18 goals in 65 games, further underscores his value as a versatile and impactful player. Beauvillier’s ability to adapt to different line combinations and provide offensive contributions makes him an attractive option for the Leafs.

Did You Know? Beauvillier has played alongside stars like Alex Ovechkin, showcasing his adaptability and ability to contribute in various roles.

Nicolas Jeannot: Reclaiming Early Promise

Nicolas Jeannot, known for his physicality and scoring touch, presents a high-risk, high-reward option.After a standout rookie season with 24 goals and 318 hits, Jeannot’s production has declined, partly due to limited opportunities. Last season with the Kings, he played primarily on the fourth line, averaging 11 minutes per game, scoring seven goals, and recording 211 hits in 67 games.The potential lies in providing Jeannot with increased playing time and better linemates to unlock his offensive potential. However, his expected contract demands, around $3 million, require careful consideration. The Leafs would be betting on Jeannot’s ability to recapture his early-career form with the right opportunity.

Andrew Mangiapane: Top-Nine Winger with Scoring Upside

Andrew mangiapane,a former sixth-round pick by the Flames,has proven his ability to contribute offensively,highlighted by a 35-goal season. While that season remains an outlier, Mangiapane has consistently delivered 14-18 goals per season. His offensive capabilities,combined with playmaking skills,energy,speed,and tenacious forechecking,make him a valuable asset. Mangiapane’s production dipped in washington last season (14 goals, 28 points), but he spent most of the year in the bottom six. with increased playing time and more offensive zone starts,Mangiapane could potentially reach 20 goals and 40 points in a middle-six role. As a Toronto native, mangiapane could bring additional motivation and familiarity to the Leafs.

Nick Perbix: upside on the Third Pair

Nick Perbix, a 27-year-old right-shooting defenseman, offers potential upside on the Leafs’ blue line. Despite averaging less than 15 minutes per game on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s third pair last season, Perbix scored six goals and recorded 19 points, showcasing his offensive capabilities. His size (6-foot-4, over 200 pounds) and physical presence align with Treliving’s preferences. Perbix could potentially contribute on the second power-play unit and develop into a top-four defenseman over time. His offensive instincts and physical attributes make him an intriguing option for the Leafs’ defensive corps.

Eric Robinson: Middle-Six Winger with Speed and Physicality

Eric Robinson, a big, speedy, and physical winger, offers a blend of scoring and defensive capabilities. He scored nine of his 14 goals last season from high-danger zones,demonstrating his ability to generate offense in key areas. Robinson’s size (6-foot-2,over 200 pounds) and speed (ranking in the NHL’s 83rd percentile) make him a valuable asset in Berube’s system.additionally,Robinson’s penalty-killing experience with the Hurricanes’ premier penalty-killing unit adds to his versatility and value. He presents a similar profile to Steven Lorentz but with potentially more offensive upside and a lower cost.

Jeff Skinner: Goal-Scoring Upside

Jeff Skinner, despite a challenging season with the oilers, offers meaningful goal-scoring potential. Even with limited playing time (13 minutes per night), Skinner scored 16 goals last season. In the three previous seasons with Buffalo, he scored 33, 35, and 24 goals, showcasing his offensive capabilities when given more opportunity. Skinner could potentially thrive as a second-line left wing in Toronto,depending on the team’s center acquisitions. However, his age (33) and lack of physicality raise concerns about his fit in Berube’s system. The Leafs would be betting on Skinner’s ability to rediscover his scoring touch and outperform his contract.

Reilly Smith: Versatile Veteran with Playoff experience

Reilly Smith, a smart and versatile veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a well-rounded skill set. He excels defensively, supports skilled linemates, and contributes offensively. Smith can play in various roles, including top-six, bottom-six, power play, and penalty kill. His extensive playoff experience (117 games,83 points) underscores his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Smith’s leadership and adaptability make him a valuable addition to any team. A short-term deal at around $5 million would make sense for the Leafs.

Pro Tip: Teams that win consistently frequently enough have players like Smith who can contribute in all situations.

Other potential additions

Several other players could provide value to the Maple leafs, depending on their specific needs and budget:

• Mason Appleton: A Winnipeg Jets favorite known for his two-way play and ability to match up against top lines.
• Connor Brown: A dependable and feisty winger capable of playing on all four lines and contributing to the penalty kill.
• Justin Brazeau: A large (6-foot-6, 227 pounds) forward with scoring potential.
• Nick Bjugstad: A center best suited for fourth-line duty, offering size (6-foot-5) and mild offensive upside.
• Nick Cousins: A pesky forward who can provide depth and energy.
• Sean Kuraly: A competitive and physical player who brings attitude and bite to the lineup.
• Oliver Kylington: A mobile defenseman with offensive potential.
• Trevor Lewis: A physical and no-nonsense fourth-line forward.
• Victor Olofsson: A goal-scoring winger with top-six potential.
• Corey Perry: A veteran with a proven track record of success in the playoffs, offering leadership and versatility.
• Brandon Tanev: A physical pest who can kill penalties,block shots,and contribute offensively from the bottom six.

Contract Values

The Leafs will need to be mindful of contract values as they pursue these free agents. With the salary cap increasing, competition for players will be fierce, and the Leafs will need to find value in order to maximize their resources. According to CapFriendly,the NHL’s salary cap for the 2024-25 season is $88 million. CapFriendly

Conclusion

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a range of options to improve their roster through free agency. By targeting underrated players with specific skill sets and versatility, the Leafs can add valuable depth and address key areas for improvement. The success of these acquisitions will depend on careful evaluation, strategic contract negotiations, and the ability to integrate these players into the team’s system.

What qualities do you think are most important for the Maple Leafs to add this offseason? Which of these potential free agents would you most like to see in a Leafs uniform?

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