Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly in the market for upgrade at important position
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly searching the market for a left-winger to add to their lineup this fall.
As the off-season winds down and players begin returning to their cities for the start of training camp in the coming weeks, there's still several well-known names available on the free agent market.
Team around the league are still trying to put the finishing touches on what their training camp roster will look like and if they'll bring any free agents in on professional tryout contracts. One of those teams that's reportedly looking to add, specifically at the left-wing position, is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In his most recent 32 Thoughts article, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman said that one of the things that's out there right now is that the Maple Leafs are currently considering their options at left-wing.
One easy fix to the Maple Leafs' left-wing problem would be re-signing restricted free agent Nick Robertson. However, a report back in July from TSN's Chris Johnston said that Robertson doesn't want to re-sign with the Maple Leafs and would prefer to be traded by the organization.
Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving could turn his attention to the free agent market to see what his options are, but after a quick look, there's a lack of quality players available at the left wing position.
Arguably the best name remaining on the free agent market as a left-winger is Max Pacioretty. The former Montreal Canadiens captain has had his fair share of injury issues in the past few years, including a pair of torn Achilles. On a one-year contract at league minimum, it would be worth a shot for the Maple Leafs. If Pacioretty could score 20 for Toronto while playing a third-line role, that would be great for newly-hired head coach Craig Berube.
Other left-wing options for the Maple Leafs include Mike Hoffman, Matt Martin, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Austin Watson and Jujhar Khaira, all of whom don't necessarily move the needle and wouldn't play more than a fourth-line role for the Maple Leafs.
Training camps around the NHL will be opening in nearly three weeks, so General Manager Brad Treliving better act quickly if he wants to bring a new left-winger into the fold.
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes
| POLL | ||
Which free agent LW would be the best fit for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Max Pacioretty | 43 | 35 % |
| Pierre-Edouard Bellemare | 25 | 20.3 % |
| Mike Hoffman | 38 | 30.9 % |
| Austin Watson | 17 | 13.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
