Eeli Tolvanen is being overlooked again, and the Maple Leafs can make the NHL regret it

Still unsigned as we end the first week of August, Eeli Tolvanen would still make a solid addition to the middle-six, and the Toronto can make teams regret waiting.

Tolvanen, 27, put up 12 goals and 36 points last season for the Seattle Kraken which was a dip from his 23-goal output in 2024-25. He's also a heavy physical presence on the ice as he's averaged 180 hits over his past five seasons - with 187 hits coming in 2025-26.

His prior contract paid him $3.475M per season and considering his output over the past two seasons, he may be due for a raise - and though he had four and five-year deals on the table on July 1 per David Pagnotta, he never signed.

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But he can still be an effective player in the middle six and also add physicality and toughness on the way, and for a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs not only does he fit into the lineup but also make the rest of the league regret not signing him sooner.

Nashville already made the mistake Toronto can capitalize on now

It's been the story of Tolvanen's NHL career though. After being waived by Nashville in December 2022 (despite putting up solid numbers the two seasons prior), Seattle took a flier on him and immediately found success. He scored 16 goals in 48 games after being picked up, and has averaged nearly 17 goals since arriving in Seattle with 67 goals in 288 games with the Kraken altogether.

He proved that he can be an effective scoring presence while adding the physicality you don't typically see from 20-goal scorers. He's only 5'10 but he plays a lot bigger than his size dictates, and it adds a dynamic to his game that allows him to contribute through both offensive and physical means.

The market is seemingly following that same trend, as there was clear interest in Tolvanen on July 1 according to Pagnotta, and since then the talks have quieted down minus some potential interest from the Red Wings.

Whether it's a matter of finances or a case of cold feet regarding Tolvanen's sustained level of production - it's led him to still be without a deal.

Toronto can add a proven winger without paying a premium trade price

But he may not be for long if the Maple Leafs can make room for him and the benefit of signing Tolvanen is that you don't lose a draft pick, prospect or roster player in a trade.

Toronto does need to make room for him as they are $2.75M above the cap, but even as a PTO it would be a savvy signing on behalf of John Chayka (if they can clear space). Tolvanen is in his prime and proven to be a reliable scoring presence, and for the Maple Leafs - who need some scoring help - it makes sense.

While the Maple Leafs improved their middle-six defensively, they opened up an avenue to add a consistent scoring threat who can help supplement the stars, and Tolvanen would get another chance to compete in the postseason (where he's had 8 points in 14 playoff games with the Kraken).

The longer he goes without a contract makes the likelihood the Maple Leafs could bring him in on a PTO or a short-term deal as a way to see how he fits into the lineup higher, and had success in the past - with Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz two seasons ago.

Though the Maple Leafs need someone to help the offence, they don't necessarily need a star but rather someone who helps balance the lineup. Tolvanen would give them a trusted goal scorer and physical presence without the need to give up any assets.

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