Maple Leafs Free Agent Target Stuns Everyone With 3-Year Deal, Leaves Millions on the Table

With a lot of talk surrounding all the big names on the board when the NHL's free agency period kicks off, several targets are looking for new homes and a sizeable salary increase.

One person however who won't be on the market is center Brock Nelson, who decided to re-sign with the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

The news was announced by NHL Insider Chris Johnston on X.

It's a stunning deal considering that Nelson would have commanded more in free agency, and eschewed making some more money for the chance to win in Colorado.

After being traded from the New York Islanders to the Avs at the deadline, Nelson registered 13 points (6G, 7A) in 19 games, and added four assists in seven playoff contests.

He could have gotten upwards of a seven-year deal worth $8M, effectively keeping him wherever he decided to go to, and keep him financially comfortable for life.

By staying with the Avalanche, he believes that his window of production and their mindset and game plan fall in line together, and with some more comfort on the team; he could be a huge asset.

Losing Mikko Rantanen hurt the Avalanche offensively, and while Nelson isn't the same player, he does offer a lot of upside. He's a consistent scorer who has averaged 25 goals a season for his career, hitting the 30+ goal plateau three times in a row from 2021-2024.

This now makes the free agent board look a lot different, given that Nelson was expected to have a lot of suitors this summer including without a doubt, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Though they lost out on Nelson, one of the more premier names available, they have lots of choices.

Sam Bennett immediately springs to mind, and he's been a focal point of free agency talks for weeks.

There are also smaller names like Patrick Kane, Claude Giroux, and Brad Marchand who could fit the veteran bill for cheap, and help with offense and playoff production.

They could also spring for someone like a Nikolaj Ehlers who would be a safe option, give Toronto a lot of offensive production, and essentially replace Marner with someone who while consistent; has never broken 70 points.

The trade market is also an option, and names like Mason Marchment, Matias Maccelli, or even a William Karlsson could be feasible options to bring in.

The team has a bit of cap to work with, and depending on the John Tavares and Matthew Knies they might have to get creative, or rely on some cheaper assets until 2026.

But they have choices, and things are not as hopeless as it seems. Losing Brock Nelson certainly hurts, though Brad Treliving has his fair share of available options to get the team to where it needs to be.