As NHL free agency opens on Wednesday at 12 p.m., Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka is positioned to reshape his roster with approximately $22.2 million US in salary cap space under the league's $104 million ceiling. However, not all of that money will be available immediately.
In the coming months, the Leafs will sign Gavin McKenna to a three-year entry-level contract with an average annual value up to $1.025 million. Additionally, restricted free agents Emil Andrae, Nick Robertson, Matias Maccelli, and Jacob Quillan must be qualified by Monday afternoon.
Further cap relief could come if Chayka trades veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly for draft picks. While salary retention might be necessary, clearing most of Rielly's $7.5 million AAV over the next four seasons would provide additional flexibility.
Chayka's Boldest Off-Season Move Already Made
Chayka's biggest swing came on June 19 when he acquired Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade, securing the top defenceman expected on the open market. Meanwhile, Alex Tuch, the top forward available, signed with the Washington Capitals via a sign-and-trade with the Buffalo Sabres.
With those moves in mind, here are the free agents the Leafs could target.
Top Targets
Sergei Bobrovsky, G – The future Hall of Famer, 38, holds two Stanley Cups and two Vezina Trophies but posted an .877 save percentage last season, the lowest of his career. He is reportedly seeking a six- or seven-year deal with an AAV of $6 million-$7 million. A reunion with former Florida Panthers teammates Anthony Stolarz and Steven Lorentz could be in the cards.
Viktor Arvidsson, LW – The 33-year-old scored 25 goals and 54 points for the Boston Bruins last season, his fifth career 25-goal campaign. A contract similar to his previous two-year, $4 million AAV deal might not suffice, but Arvidsson must remain realistic.
Patrick Kane, RW – Turning 38 in November, Kane recorded 57 points in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings. He made $3 million last season and could be enticed by the chance to play with McKenna and Auston Matthews.
Mason Marchment, LW – The 31-year-old former Leafs forward and Toronto Marlies Calder Cup champion had 15 goals and 32 points in 39 games for Columbus after a trade from Seattle. His last contract was four years with a $4.5 million AAV.
Teddy Blueger, C – A bottom-six option, Blueger, 31, provides 25-30 points and comes off a two-year deal with a $1.8 million AAV.
Nice to Have
Michael Bunting, LW – The Scarborough native, 30, hasn't matched his 23-goal seasons with Toronto since leaving in 2023 but thrived in the Leafs' system. He is finishing a three-year, $4.5 million AAV contract.
Nick Blankenburg, D – At 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, Blankenburg, 28, offers effective mobility. The Leafs already traded for the similarly sized Andrae, so another small defenceman might be a concern.
Mats Zuccarello, RW – The 38-year-old Norwegian had 54 points in each of the past two seasons with Minnesota and nine points in eight playoff games. He is coming off a two-year, $4.125 million AAV deal.
Worth a Flyer
Boone Jenner, C/W – The Blue Jackets captain for five seasons provides leadership and bottom-six depth. His previous contract was four years with a $3.75 million AAV.
Corey Perry, RW – The 41-year-old scored 17 goals last season and could be had for the NHL minimum of $850,000.
Claude Giroux, C – Giroux led the NHL in faceoff percentage at 63.1% and had 49 points for Ottawa. He turns 39 in January and made $2 million last season.
Unaffordable Luxury
Rasmus Andersson, D – The 29-year-old durable puck-mover will command a substantial raise from his $4.55 million AAV.
Jacob Trouba, D – The 32-year-old found his footing with Anaheim but is coming off an $8 million AAV. A similar price tag may be too steep for Toronto.
Anthony Mantha, W – Mantha set career highs with 33 goals and 64 points for Pittsburgh but had only 27 goals in the previous two seasons combined, likely inflating his market value.
