Maple Leafs Linked to Veteran Stars in Offseason Plan, per Chris Johnston
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, there are several potential low-end options for the Maple Leafs to consider this upcoming free agency.
The Insider reported that if the Maple Leafs wanted to add some veteran presence on the cheap this summer, they have a few solid options to choose from this summer.
Maple Leafs Could Add Cheap Veterans to Enhance Depth
Speaking on TSN 1050 on Friday, Johnston explained how the Leafs could add to their team without breaking the bank.
"Maple Leafs could look for short term deals on veterans, guys like Brad Marchand, Patrick Kane, Jamie Benn, Claude Giroux." - Chris Johnston
The Maple Leafs are currently on the search for some cheap veterans now with the losses of Max Pacioretty, and potentially losing players like Calle Jarnkrok.
The team lacks dynamic bottom-six production and the names Johnston lists could help soften the blow of losing Mitch Marner.
Toronto Has Choice of Crafty Veterans This Summer
First off, adding someone like Marchand would be almost a coup for Brad Treliving. A proven winner and playoff performer, if the team wants to stop him from terrorizing them, they should probably look to sign him.
While not as elite as he was a decade ago, he still put up 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 71 games.
He's got 1,100 games experience, nearly 1,000 points and would provide the Leafs that playoff x-factor they desperately need.
Plus, who better to navigate the media firestorm that is Toronto than a master on the mic like Marchand?
Shifting gears, adding a veteran center like Giroux could be a huge boost to the bottom half of the lineup, not only due to production but his long-time history with current Toronto forward Scott Laughton, who could shift to wing.
Posting 15 goals and 35 assists in 81 games, Giroux also added a blazing 61.5% face-off win percentage; and much like Marchand has been a playoff beast in his career (86 points in 101 games).
A player with over 1,200 games played and over 1,100 points, Giroux would bring a new dynamic to the team they've not really experienced; a true legend of the modern era (and one who doesn't get enough recognition).
Finally we take a look at the two wingers in Benn and Kane.
While both are a few years past their prime, they are still reliable veterans who have experience winning in big moments (Kane with the Stanley Cup, Benn with Team Canada).
If Toronto wants to add size, they need to bring the hulking 6-3, 205-pound Benn aboard. He had 16 goals and 33 assists in 80 games this year but is a former 40-goal scorer.
With 399 career goals and nearly 1200 games experience, Benn is the perfect addition to the bottom-six, or could end up alongside John Tavares and William Nylander to add some size.
Kane however would be a massive addition based off his accomplishment alone. A three-time Cup winner, he's the US's third highest scorer ever, can still contribute even at his age.
Still managing 59 points in 72 games for the lowly Red Wings, Kane could come in and offer so much leadership, hockey sense and knowledge to the younger stars and perhaps give them pointers on handling big game pressure.
Plus, with news that Jonathan Toews may entertain the Leafs as a comeback destination, adding his former running mate in Kane makes total sense.
So like Johnston says, Brad Treliving and Toronto have a lot of options to choose from, the only question now is who is the best fit to help the Maple Leafs change their DNA?
Previously on HockeyPatrol
| POLL | ||
MAI 31 | 550 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Linked to Veteran Stars in Offseason Plan, per Chris Johnston Who should the Maple Leafs sign as a veteran free agent? | ||
| Brad Marchand | 339 | 61.6 % |
| Jamie Benn | 83 | 15.1 % |
| Claude Giroux | 57 | 10.4 % |
| Patrick Kane | 71 | 12.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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