Collin Graf remains without a contract for next year as the Sharks may not be able to afford him, which makes him a perfect sidekick to build alongside Gavin McKenna.
The San Jose Sharks have done quite a bit to ensure they have a strong future pipeline with the likes of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Michael Misa, and 2026 #2 overall pick Ivar Stenberg though one player who was expected to be part of that is forward Collin Graf.
The 23-year-old though is currently a restricted free agent without a contract, and with extensions for both Celebrini and Smith needed before next summer and while they have a projected $53-million in cap space to work with in 2027 - both Smith and Celebrini will no doubt eat into a large portion of that.
Toronto could look to Collin Graf as their top-six solution with San Jose's current contract situation
San Jose can afford to keep him now with an extension as they have space, but if they're worried about being able to keep both of their young superstar forwards past next summer then they may decide to cut ties before they reach a critical decision point.
If that's the case, then Graf would make a lot of sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs not only because he can help now, but is also the perfect top-six addition to the wing.
Coming off a career year where he exploded for 21 goals and 46 points, the 23-year-old is a young defensively sound forward who fits both Toronto's competitive window and the age range for helping to build the future.
He's another strong penalty killer and someone who can add physicality to the lineup as well (88 hits last year).
Graf could slide in on either the top line or the second line depending on the situation, and would give either Auston Matthews or John Tavares a bit of defensive respite.
There's also a prime chance for him to work alongside Gavin McKenna to build chemistry and potentially become a duo much like Smith and Celebrini.
Toronto's main roadblock once again may prevent them from acquiring Graf
But as with all things in Toronto, it comes down to money. Right now, the team is still $2.75-million above the cap and needs to clear room. However, with it being the San Jose Sharks, there's a possibility that they look towards acquiring Morgan Rielly as was rumoured previously.
It would be a deal to acquire his signing rights, but operate as a straight trade - it's more just getting him on the team first.
Toronto could take on both a future Graf deal and a contract like Barclay Goodrow or Adam Gaudette. If Toronto trades Rielly that opens up $4.75-million in space from their current amount, which would allow for covering Graf's price, and then with the $3.75-million they save in Max Domi's LTIR relief, and waiving a player like Philippe Myers, they can afford to take on Goodrow ($3.64M) or Gaudette ($2M).
It's a lot of moving pieces and of course Rielly needs to waive in the first place, but the Sharks were a team he put on his trade list and there's been consistent conversation for a few months now.
The main focus right now is clearing cap space and while a Rielly deal is the logical way, it's also the hardest to actually implement. If John Chayka can find a way to open up money then he's got the foundation to add a young forward to grow alongside Gavin McKenna.
Do you think the Maple Leaf should try and target Collin Graf for their top-six?
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