This summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs intend to make some adjustments. They will examine the upcoming UFA defensemen, among other things.
Morgan Rielly has been the Maple Leafs’ top defenseman and team captain for the most years. He also has the oldest contract on the squad. Rielly has had a number of d-partners over those seasons, but none of them was able to establish themselves as the top pairing.
Rielly had been spending a lot of time with T. J. Brodie and Ilya Lyubushkin in recent years. However, those two are awaiting UFAs this summer, and it appears that Brodie will be looking to trade.
Decisions about the roster may be made shortly after the hiring of a coach as #LeafsForever evaluates HC alternatives. They’ve indicated interest in bringing Tyler Bertuzzi back, I’ve been told. Nonetheless, TJ Brodie, who is anticipated to test the UFA market, is one player who is unlikely to return.
Furthermore, UFA defensemen Joel Edmundson and Mark Giordano are still pending.
Rielly might be useful even though there have been rumors that one of the Leafs core players might be traded this off-season. These are a few defensemen that the Leafs might choose to sign in free agency until then.
Brandon Montour, a free agent defenseman, is the Maple Leafs’ target.
Players that can perform well in the postseason are something the Toronto Maple Leafs could use on their roster, and Brandon Montour is undoubtedly one such player. Montour has scored 24 points as a defenseman for the Florida Panthers in 47 postseason games. He has eight points in ten games so far in postseason season, five of which came in their series against the Boston Bruins.
The 30-year-old is renowned for his attacking instincts and puck-moving skills. Despite this, he plays a decent physical game, is a strong defensive player, and participated in the Stanley Cup Finals the previous season.
John Klingberg, an offensive defenseman, was signed by Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to a one-year contract during the off-season. He sought to increase the amount of scoring from the blue line as, upon taking over as general manager, he had observed that it was lacking. Klingberg, regrettably, missed the entire season on injured reserve due to a hip ailment he sustained early in the campaign.
Montour will be a contender if Treliving continues to believe that additional offensive production needs to be added to the back end.
The Brantford native could see a significant income increase, though. With his current contract, he makes $3.5 million annually; however, given his recent play, he might earn as much as $7-9 million annually in his next contract. To make that signing materialize, the Maple Leafs will need to find some space.
Pesce, Brett
The Leafs might use a shutdown defenseman to take Brodie’s spot, as he may not be re-signed. With all of his skills, Brett Pesce is the ideal candidate for a top pairing position on the Maple Leafs. For the Carolina Hurricanes, he is an excellent penalty taker, blocks shots, and plays a lot of minutes.
With all these defensive attributes, Pesce, a right-handed defenseman, would be a great complement to Rielly. Rielly scored 72 points and had a career-high 20 goals in the 2018–2019 campaign. This demonstrates what Rielly is capable of when given the right circumstances, and the possibilities are unlimited when a new coach and possibly a new partner are involved. Rielly will be able to spread his wings offensively if he is paired with Pesce.
Brady Skjei
Brady Skjei is a fantastic offensively skilled defenseman who is a pending UFA, much like Montour. He leads the Hurricanes’ top powerplay unit at quarterback right now. Similar to Montour, Skjei has been playing exceptionally well in the playoffs; in 11 games, he has scored nine points.
The Hurricanes probably won’t be able to re-sign Skjei, so it makes sense to go after him in free agency along with Pesce. Numerous gifted players on the Canes are UFAs this summer. On July 1st, Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and RFAs Martin Necas, Stephen Jarvis, and Jack Drury will all require attention.
Zadorov, Nikita
Nikita Zadorov, who is 6’6 and weighs 248 pounds, has the potential to be a huge addition to Toronto’s blue line. For most of his career, the next UFA defenseman has been a force to be reckoned with. But he’s been excellent since being traded to the Vancouver Canucks.
The most common criticism of the Leafs among their supporters is that they are not tough enough. Well, getting Zadorov will quickly alter that story.
It would not be at all outlandish to strike this possible deal. GM Since they were both members of the Calgary Flames organization just a season ago, Treliving and Zadorov have a history together. Additionally, Treliving expressed curiosity and followed up with Zadorov following reports that he had submitted a trade request. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if there are rumors this off-season about Zadorov moving to Toronto.
Apart from his contributions on the ice, it’s important to acknowledge his conduct off the ice as well. Being a leader, Zadorov is unaffected by competing in Canadian markets. He has faced the media in Calgary and Vancouver before, and he is not hesitant to tell it like it is. His will to win comes first, which is a terrific trait to have if you’re hoping to win the Stanley Cup.
