Brad Treliving Absolutely Can't Let Kyle Dubas Ink Top Free Agent

Tomas Tatar is the biggest name still available on the free agent market. The 32-year-old forward had a successful season with the New Jersey Devils in 2022-23. He put up 48 points in 82 games in a middle-six role with the young Devils team. Tatar is a playmaking winger with good hockey IQ that can blend into any line he is put on.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly interested in bringing Tatar to town.

If Treliving were to get in on negotiations they would once again be bidding against one another. The first go around Dubas got the better of Treliving and acquired Norris Trophy winning defenseman Erik Karlsson. This negotiation is for far less stakes and less cost however as Tatar's contract is likely to come in at a low cap hit. According to Rob Rossi of The Athletic, all it would take to potentially swing Tatar is a guaranteed contract. As of now, he is only slated to be given a PTO by the Penguins

Tatar could be a great addition to the Leafs and another veteran presence with playoff experience on the roster. It would also show that Treliving was able to one-up his predecessor. While the addition of Tatar won't make or break the Leafs' season having him as a cheap option who is reliable is better than another contender having him.