Maple Leafs Target Free Agent This Summer – Hockey Writers –

The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into an offseason where things will likely look different at several spots on the roster. After missing the playoffs, there is a clear push to change more than a few pieces on the fringes.

While the focus appears to be higher on the blue line. There are still a few areas ahead that can be fixed. Especially between the middle thumb, which can give the Maple Leafs a different look. Especially in terms of pace, physicality, and scoring that doesn’t come with a big cap hit attached to it. One thing is clear: the addition of Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli did not work. Which is what they chose to trade for Roy last season.

Now, newly hired general manager John Chayka will need to find a way to get rid of Joshua’s contract and potentially leave Maccelli ineligible, allowing him to walk freely. If Toronto is serious about changing the look of this team, there are a few players waiting to stand out and have a positive impact on the roster.

Beck Malenstyn

Beck Malenstyn is the type of player who doesn’t often cause a lot of buzz in free agency discussions, but maybe he should this time. He played a solid role for the Buffalo Sabers this season, finishing with seven goals and 14 points in 81 games while spending most of his time in defensive positions. The offense isn’t really what drives his worth.

At 6-foot-3, he brings a physicality that doesn’t feel forced, which isn’t always the case with players in that role. And the speed factor. He has proven every night that he is a fast skater who can make the icing call to keep the play going. While making life difficult for the opposition parties. In today’s NHL, teams don’t need a defensive player on their fourth line. Yes, it’s exciting for the fans, but adding a player like Malenstyn could drastically change what the bottom line looks like, for the better.

Michael Bunting

Next up, Michael Bunting, who always feels destined to return to his hometown club. Since leaving in 2023, he’s been on a bit of a roll, just finishing a season with the Dallas Stars after a stint with the Nashville Predators. His production has been consistently good, with 13 goals and 31 points in 61 games this year.

The interesting part with Bunting is that the fit in Toronto was never about whether he could play. It was about how everything around it worked. He plays close to the net, participates physically, and is not shy to push in areas that can irritate opponents. That can be useful, but it can also tilt games in one direction depending on how things go.

At this point, he cannot be expected to be a top player. If he can rekindle that chemistry with Auston Matthews, great. But, for Bunting, it’s about the willingness to stay inside, make contact, and find opportunities to produce around the crease. He could be a good middle six player, especially if Max Domi is healthy next season. Having two insects in the same line, which can produce, can be a useful third line. And, who knows, maybe Nicholas Robertson becomes a big threat next to them on the third line.

Anthony Mantha

Finally, Anthony Mantha is the biggest addition of the three. He had a strong season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, finishing with 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games. That’s exactly what he wanted to happen when he signed a one-year contract to “prove it”. With that kind of production, it will put him back in a different conversation this summer.

Teams will see 33 goals and pay him to be a second scoring option. For the Maple Leafs, as long as the price point isn’t excessive, it makes sense to bring in someone who can play 17 minutes a night, score 30 goals, and be a key player on any power play unit.

At 6-foot-5, he brings a unique look to the lineup. When he moves well, the gun is a real weapon, and he doesn’t need many touches to make an impact. The question is whether that rate continues over time. It’s been the same conversation for a long time now, and it probably doesn’t change at this stage of his career. However, the height is what makes him attractive. When used in the right position, especially with the right distribution of minutes, there is enough scoring to justify the risk depending on the price.