Specifically, Friedman said that the Leafs are considering two top-tier unrestricted free agents this offseason. They are Brandon Montour from the Florida Panthers and Brett Pesce from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Fans seem to be very receptive to this idea, especially in regards to Montour. The Panthers defenseman had a breakout season with thew team in the 2021-22 season when he put up 37 points in 81 games.
Montour followed that up with a career year in 2022-23, potting 16 goals and 73 points. This year he regressed back to his previous marks, scoring 33 points in 66 games. Regardless, he's still proven to be a valuable two-way defenseman who can be physical as well. That is exactly what the Leafs need on the back end.
That being said, the Leafs' cap situation is rather difficult. If they trade Marner though, that could open the door to some serious and much-needed improvements on the backend. We'll just have to see what the summer has in store for us.
POLL | ||
6 MAI | 2381 ANSWERS Friedman links two high-profile free agents to the Maple Leafs Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade Mitch Marner in the offseason? | ||
Yes | 1704 | 71.6 % |
No | 677 | 28.4 % |
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