Maple Leafs Free Agent Strategy Could Frustrate Fans Following New Report

With free agency expected to be a frantic and hectic day for NHL GM's, it seems that Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving already got a pretty good head start on things.

He re-signed John Tavares and Matthew Knies (to be announced still), acquired Mattias Maccelli from Utah, and brought in Nicolas Roy from Vegas in the Mitch Marner sign and trade. The team also re-signed Steven Lorentz, and said goodbye to Pontus Holmberg.

All these moves have preceded the actual start of free agency, and with the Maple Leafs still expected to make some more moves, fans are anticipating what exactly is coming next for their beloved blue and white.

According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, the Maple Leafs might not be too hasty when it comes to making signings, and could end up waiting out the free agent frenzy and assess their options later on.

While the hoopla and hype around the NHL offseason typically surrounds the first couple of days when it comes to free agency, not everyone is going to sign on the first day, or even in the first week; and it gives Toronto time to make other moves.

If they can find a way to find deals for their lesser forwards like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok, that'll open up some room to make moves when needed, and we can see who might be some diamonds in the rough after all the craziness has settled down.

But fans are going to need to be patient, not only during free agency, but for this entire season as a whole. The team is shifting in a completely different direction, with an emphasis on grit, defense, and most of all, passion. Craig Berube and Brad Treliving want players who want to be here, and do what it takes to win.

It's best to take a look at what's available and re-assess at a later date, and there's no real primary free agent targets they need to go after considering a bevy of the top names already re-signed with their respective clubs.

What's the old saying? Fools rush in where angels fear to tread? Brad Treliving has played a smart game thus far for Toronto this offseason, and being hasty might bring more hindrance than assistance.

But if he plays it safe and takes his time, he could walk away with more than he ever expected.

He just has to be patient.