Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 3 free agents they should sign in 2020

Who should the Toronto Maple Leafs target this offseason? Here’s a look at the three best free agents for them.

Kyle Dubas and the rest of the Toronto Maple Leafs management group have had a tough time trying to build a complete roster in Toronto. They have many great pieces, but have been forced to pay those pieces a lot of money which has made it extremely difficult to add depth pieces needed to have playoff success.

Prior to the NHL season being paused, the Leafs were going through a tumultuous season. They fired head coach Mike Babcock in November after the team had gotten off to a slow start. Sheldon Keefe has since taken over for Babcock, and although the Leafs have certainly improved since the swap, they have still had many issues throughout the season. The main problems are that they lack grit, and have a blue line that leaves plenty to be desired.

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Prior to the season being paused, the salary cap was expected to jump significantly for the 2020-21 season, which would have benefitted the Leafs in a big way. However, with everything that has transpired over the last month, the salary cap is now expected to remain flat at $81.5 million. This will make things tough for Dubas, but there are still things he can do to improve this roster. Here are three free agents that would help with that.

Radko Gudas

As mentioned above, a huge problem with this currents Leaf roster is that they lack grit and toughness. Radko Gudas would benefit them in that department. The 29-year-old Czech defenceman has certainly earned a reputation around the league, with many labelling him as a dirty player. Regardless of people’s opinions on him, no one can deny that he brings a physical and intimidating presence which would greatly benefit the Leafs lineup.

Gudas won’t blow anyone away offensively. In 63 games this season with the Washington Capitals, he has put up just two goals and 13 assists. This is about the norm for Gudas, as he has never had a season over 23 points. However, the Leafs don’t need help offensively, as they possess one of the most talented lineups in the entire league.

One other bonus of adding Gudas is that he is a right-handed shot. The Leafs have two right handed defencemen in Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci set to hit the free agent market this offseason, so there will be holes that need to be filled, and Gudas can help with that. Regardless of people’s opinions on him, no one can deny that he brings a physical and intimidating presence which would greatly benefit the Leafs lineup.

Wayne Simmonds

Wayne Simmonds is not the same player he once was. Once one of the games most dominant power forwards, his physical style over the years has taken its toll on his body. Though his best offensive years are behind him, he brings a very physical and competitive edge that would be very beneficial to the Leafs forward group.

Despite not putting up the numbers he used to, Simmonds can still bring some secondary scoring. Prior to being traded at last years deadline by the Philadelphia Flyers, he was on pace to score over 20 goals with 16 in 62 at the time. This season with the New Jersey Devils his goal total had went down, but he still had 24 points in 61 games on a very bad team.

As mentioned, Simmonds has declined over the years. However, his physical play as well as his willingness to drop the gloves for his teammates would make him extremely valuable to the Leafs, especially come playoff time. Due to his decreased point totals over the years, they would likely be able to sign him on a very cheap contract.

Justin Schultz

Much like Simmonds, Justin Schultz has had a decline in play the last few seasons, mainly due to injuries. In fact, he has only played in 138 of the last 233 regular season games with the Pittsburgh Penguins because of his injury trouble. As a result, it appears very unlikely that they re-sign the 29-year-old defenceman who put up a career high 51 points for them 4 seasons ago.

Schultz has struggled this season, putting up just 12 points and being a minus 13 through 46 games. However, this could be more of an off year rather than a decline in skill. Last season, despite just playing in 29 games, he put up a very respectable two goals and 15 points. It is possible he regains that form as soon as next season.

As for a contract, that is why Schultz was the last of the three I added to this list. One would think given his recent injuries along with his point drop off that teams may be scared away. If a team out there were to take a gamble and offered him a contract with term or big dollars, the Leafs should steer clear. However, if he is forced to take a cheap show-me type contract, they should absolutely try to bring him in to the fold.

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Regardless of what Dubas and the rest of the Leafs management decide on, they need change. This lineup for the past few seasons has gotten out muscled and out worked come playoff time the last few years. They certainly are in tough to make those changes because of their salary situation, but something has to be changed up soon or there may be some changes to the front office in Toronto.

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