3 free agent defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs should target
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to improve their defense this offseason.
After another disappointing season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have quite a bit of work to do this offseason as they try to construct a roster that will work with head coach Sheldon Keefe. Under Keefe, the Leafs were a pretty good team despite having a sub-optimal roster for the style of hockey he likes to employ.
This offseason’s top priority is adding to their defense. Currently, the Leafs only have five defensemen who played at least 15 games for the team signed for next season. One of those is Martin Marincin and he’s a seventh defenseman at best.
If the Maple Leafs want to win a Stanley Cup, their defense has to improve. General Manager Kyle Dubas can’t afford to have a quiet offseason. Upgrades to the team are needed and he’s going to have to find a way to give his blueline some more skill and snarl.
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Here’s a look at three free agent defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs should take a long look at this offseason.
Honorable Mentions
Dylan DeMelo is so underrated, he might be a little bit overrated. DeMelo is a steady, reliable defenseman who is physical and contributes enough on offense to avoid being a liability. But the Maple Leafs probably want someone with a little bit more experience. The Leafs should certainly keep an eye on him, though.
At the right price, Radko Gudas could make sense. Likely wouldn’t cost much to sign him and when he’s been given a quality partner who can move the puck, he’s proven to be remarkably effective. Of course, Gudas pretty much pays rent for the penalty box, as he’s in it a lot.
3. Tyson Barrie
I know Tyson Barrie didn’t have his best season for the Maple Leafs, but hear me out. Barrie was noticeably better under Sheldon Keefe than he was under Mike Babcock. Let’s take a look at his underlying stats under both coaches.
Expected Goals For Percentage (xGF%)
- Babcock: 47.61%
- Keefe: 52.20%
Goals For Percentage (GF%)
- Babcock: 33.3%
- Keefe: 55.95%
5v5 points per hour
- Babcock: 0.57
- Keefe: 1.48
The Leafs desperately need right-handed options on their defense and this year’s free agency class doesn’t have many of those. Barrie’s down year means he likely won’t be getting any huge offers from anyone. If his price falls enough, the Maple Leafs could bring him back on a one-year deal as he tries to rebuild his value.
Just to be clear, Barrie shouldn’t be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top free agent target. There are better ones out there for them. But if they don’t sign either of the two guys I have listed above him, Barrie could be a short-term solution.