Two More Canadian Teams Enter Race With Maple Leafs for Top UFA Forward
Photo credit: HockeyPatrol
The race for top remaining free agent Jack Roslovic takes a major step as a report suggests the Leafs are not alone in the hunt, with two Canadian teams in the mix.
Not having gained a top-six forward in the offseason as was expected and verbally ensured by GM Brad Treliving to be the top priority for the Leafs, their last chance at a potential option on the wing in free agency remains in Roslovic signing in Toronto.
Rumors have circulated from insiders linking Roslovic to Toronto as a potential signing, although nothing has yet to come to fruition and he still remains unsigned.
Toronto Not The Only Canadian Team Interested In Jack Roslovic
The top free agent Roslovic has a suitor in Toronto, but reportedly the Leafs face some stiff competition.
According to former analyst Pierre McGuire, his understand is that the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks are teams of interest for Roslovic as well.
On the podcast 'Toronto Sports Rush', McGuire indicated that the Leafs are strong contenders, but so are the Canucks. He also mentioned the Canadiens as a target.
Why the Canadiens and Canucks Could Threaten Toronto's Pursuit
The Canucks and Canadiens could both be spoilers for Roslovic, taking not only the top forward left in free agency but their last chance at signing a top-six replacement for Mitch Marner.
Montreal could upgrade down the middle although they do have a solid middle-six in Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, but neither have had the best injury luck.
Roslovic could move Juraj Slafkovsky onto the left wing and put Roslovic on the right side between him and Ivan Demidov fighting for the top-pairing spot.
For the Canucks, they lack a deep depth at forward, and at forward have a player with a history of injuries in Filip Chytil slotted at 2C, and youngster Aatu Raty at 3C, so Roslovic could be a solid insurance bid.
Vancouver may be more willing to pay up for Roslovic as they could use him just about anywhere in the lineup in their middle-six, and likely more ice time and a more guaranteed roster spot.
Why It Matters for the Maple Leafs' Offseason Strategy
If the Toronto Maple Leafs are unable to sign Jack Roslovic, it's the end of their free agency hunt for their top-six forward.
Roslovic is the last player who could fit that role, and without getting him would ensure that if the Leafs want to upgrade their roster, they'd have to do so via a trade, or rely on top prospect Easton Cowan.
In a trade for a top-six forward, the Leafs may find it difficult to get a trade offer that doesn't include Cowan, and he may be moved out to prioritize their contention window, but with a lack of top prospects and draft picks, it could blow up for Toronto.
Unfortunately for the Leafs it would be a sacrifice that they'd be pressured into pursuing to make their goal of getting a top forward happen. They may be able to do better than Roslovic in a trade, but they'll likely be paying more to do so.
In their system, they could rely on Cowan in the top-six if he can quickly adapt to the NHL, or they could rely on acquired forward Matias Maccelli, who is looking to rebound after regressing from 57 points in 82 games in 2023-24 to 18 points in 55 games in 24-25.
If Maccelli can't return to his past form and continues to struggle as he did last season, then Toronto will have no chance but to find a potential upgrade somewhere, wherever they may be able to find it.
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