Maple Leafs linked to trio of unrestricted free agents

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Cooper Godin
May 26, 2024 (10:34)

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Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving will be very busy this summer as he looks to improve his roster for the 2024-25 season after yet another disappointing year for the organization.

With free agency less than 40 days away, the Maple Leafs, and every other team in the National Hockey League who aren't in the Stanley Cup Playoffs right now, are looking at potential UFAs that could be of service to them for the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Los Angeles Kings forward Viktor Arvidsson and a pair of Vancouver Canucks - forward Dakota Joshua and defenceman Nikita Zadorov.

Arvidsson, a native of Skelleftea, Sweden, was limited to only 18 games during the regular season after being activated off long-term injured reserve in March following a back issue. In those 18 games, the 31-year-old put up 15 points (six goals, nine assists) and added three assists in five contests during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Joshua, 28, had a career year for the Vancouver Canucks in 2023-24, setting new highs in goals, assists, points and plus/minus. In 63 games, the Dearborn, Michigan native recorded 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists), 60 penalty minutes and was a plus-19. Joshua could be a great for the Maple Leafs' third line, bringing grit, size and can contribute offensively.

Zadorov, who was traded to the Canucks from the Calgary Flames in November, was solid during his time in Vancouver. The Canucks are hoping they'll be able to re-sign both him and Dakota Joshua, but if Zadorov hits the open market on July 1st, the Maple Leafs will be among several teams with strong interest. Before he was dealt to Vancouver, the Maple Leafs were in the mix to acquire 29-year-old, who would've been reunited with his former GM, Brad Treliving. In 54 games, Zadorov had 14 points (five-goals, nine assists) and put up eight points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

All three of the names mentioned by David Pagnotta would bring something different to the Maple Leafs and with free agency opening in just over a month, many are curious is these players will re-sign with their current team or hit the open market.