Maple Leafs Linked to Three Top Free Agents as Market Heats Up
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to three separate free agent forwards as things are starting to pick back up after a quiet stretch according to analyst Ryan Gilbert.
As free agency continues on in the NHL, the signings have slowed down considerably from July 1, though there are still some prominent names who need to find new homes for 2025-26.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to keep their eyes open for any potential matches, and for a team looking to add some extra punch up front, they would do best to field at least some type of offer.
Toronto linked to trio of leftover free agents
We've heard rumblings of Toronto being linked to names like Jeff Skinner and Jack Roslovic, as both would be able to step in and bring in a lot of secondary offense, meanwhile a player like Victor Olofsson could be a very solid two-way presence.
And according to analyst Ryan Gilbert, the Maple Leafs are checking in on all three men, and is confirming they've been linked together.
In his article going through some of the top free agents left on the market, Gilbert spoke regarding the trio of Roslovic, Skinner and Olofsson, and mentioned that all three of them were being watched by the Leafs.
Each little blurb about the players also give a bit of insight into how they may be potentially utilized were they to sign in Toronto.
Firstly, on Roslovic:
Roslovic can play either center or wing as a right-shot forward...That seems to be around the player that Roslovic is at this point: a guy that can give you around 40 points a year while filling out your middle six.
Ideally used in a bottom-six role, Roslovic can move up the lineup in a pinch without hurting you too much.
Ideally used in a bottom-six role, Roslovic can move up the lineup in a pinch without hurting you too much.
Roslovic has experience playing alongside Auston Matthews, and would be a perfect addition to the Leafs top-nine, and be able to move wherever Craig Berube needs him.
Moving to Olofsson, he had high praise for the forward who unfortunately was held back this season:
Olofsson had a chance to prove himself in Vegas with injuries in the top six, but dealt with injuries himself that limited him to 56 games.
The Swedish winger, who turns 30 on July 18, has made a living thanks to his shot. He has a 13.5% shooting clip in his career and had three 20-goal seasons in 2019-20, 2021-22, and 2022-23 in Buffalo.
Olofsson could help a team looking to add an offensive winger in their middle-six and power play.
The Swedish winger, who turns 30 on July 18, has made a living thanks to his shot. He has a 13.5% shooting clip in his career and had three 20-goal seasons in 2019-20, 2021-22, and 2022-23 in Buffalo.
Olofsson could help a team looking to add an offensive winger in their middle-six and power play.
Offensive winger in the middle six? Someone who can compliment John Tavares or Nicolas Roy? Seems like Olofsson would check a ton of boxes.
Finally, we come to the eldest player on the list in Skinner, who is still putting up solid numbers late into his career:
Jeff Skinner finally tasted playoff hockey last year with the Edmonton Oilers and even got into three playoff games. However, at 33 years old, Skinner is looking to have a bounce-back season.
It's fitting that Olofsson and Skinner are both former Sabres, because they'll likely have similar suitors as scoring wingers that don't offer a ton much else.
It's fitting that Olofsson and Skinner are both former Sabres, because they'll likely have similar suitors as scoring wingers that don't offer a ton much else.
We know Skinner's defensive shortcomings, but there's always a positive in adding a player with nearly 400 career goals.
Toronto can do no wrong adding Skinner, Olofsson or Roslovic
Though these guys aren't necessarily the flashiest options, they will add a lot of help to Toronto's lineup, and could help the new pieces find their way into the lineup a bit easier.
For example, if Toronto were to sign a Roslovic or Olofsson, that would more than likely mean Matias Maccelli is on the top line with Auston Matthews, and giving room for either man to work with John Tavares and William Nylander.
Or if Toronto wanted to give newcomer Nicolas Roy some help alongside Bobby McMann, or whoever else Berube throws on the third line; all three players can fit seamlessly and give him a chance to succeed even more.
Roslovic, 27, had 39 points in 81 games for Carolina last season (22 goals, 17 assists) and has been a reliable contributor for the Hurricanes over his career.
Olofsson, 29, had 29 points for Vegas in a shortened season in 2024-25, but he did put up 15 goals; Olofsson can give you at least that, plus could surprise some and put up nearly 30 goals if he gets rolling.
Skinner, 33, is the oldest on the list by far though has the most experience. He added 16 goals in a bit of a struggle this season with the Oilers, but is a former 40 goal scorer with 373 total to his name.
So Brad Treliving has some options, the only question is whether he'll be keen enough to strike or miss out yet again on a potential final piece of the puzzle.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 3637 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Linked to Three Top Free Agents as Market Heats Up Which player should Toronto target? | ||
| Jack Roslovic | 1615 | 44.4 % |
| Jeff Skinner | 452 | 12.4 % |
| Victor Olofsson | 335 | 9.2 % |
| Other | 1235 | 34 % |
| List of polls | ||
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