Toronto Maple Leafs among three teams connected to former sixth overall pick

Having not been offered a qualifying deal by the San Jose Sharks, Filip Zadina has been one of the misfit players left in free agency ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season.

Coming off of his career-best season with 13 goals and 10 assists in 72 games, he was originally thought to be headed for a PTO deal. A Czech news source suggested was going to the Buffalo Sabres to see how he would fit into their team, with the local news circulating the same rumor.

However, his agent has reported otherwise. Darren Ferris told the media the 24-year-old forward was close to signing with an NHL team, but not with the Sabres, which Buffalo News later corrected. Instead, Filip Zadina has been linked to the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Despite being a former 6th-overall pick for the Detroit Red Wings, Filip Zadina has yet to meet his potential, only recording 41 goals and 50 assists in 262 career games. Nevertheless, at just 24 years old, he has time to develop in the league in one of the bottom wing positions.

Though he has primarily played in the right wing, he has a left shot and can better adapt to either side, which could prove advantageous for any of the three teams, who are shorter on forwards in the left wing. However, this goes tenfold for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who only have Matthew Knies and Ty Voit on their roster in that position. For the right deal, Filip Zadina might be the right choice for the Toronto Maple Leafs.