Toronto Maple Leafs determine the fate of restricted free agent

According to Josh Kloke of The Athletic, it's unlikely that the Toronto Maple Leafs will issue a qualifying offer to Noah Gregor, who's a restricted free agent, which would then make him unrestricted as of 12 pm ET on Monday, July 1st.

Kloke explained that the emergence of prospect Easton Cowan, as well as Gregor's declining play and role in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign as reasons for his departure from Toronto this summer.

Gregor, 25, wasn't issued a qualifying offer by the San Jose Sharks following the 2022-23 season, which made him an unrestricted free agent. He went all summer without a contract before signing a professional tryout deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs in early September.

After a strong showing during the pre-season where he had one goal, two assists and 14 shots in six games, the Maple Leafs signed Gregor to a one-year, $775,000 contract.

The Beaumont, Alberta native appeared in 63 games during the regular season with the Maple Leafs, putting up 12 points (six goals, six assists), 17 penalty minutes and was a minus-seven.

It's unclear what will come next for Noah Gregor in free agency and whether or not he'll get an NHL contract right away on July 1st or if he'll have to wait until later in the summer to sign a professional tryout deal once again. Either way, he could be an interesting bottom-six option on a rebuilding/retooling team likely on a one-year contract.