The likeliest to not return on this list is Simmonds, unless he agrees to report to the Marlies. At this point, all he is doing is holding a roster spot, having played just 7 games for the Leafs so far this year. When he does play, it's minimal and aside from a physical presence doesn't bring much else to the lineup. Another "all but gone" UFA for the Leafs is Justin Holl. Holl drives many Leaf fans, including myself nuts most of the time, but since he started playing alongside Giordano, he has played very well. A key penalty killer for the Leafs who has been playing top-4 minutes at just $2M per season is due for a fairly hefty raise and one that the Leafs likely will not be able to afford. Thankfully, the Leafs have
Conor Timmins available to replace him as he is an RFA. The emergence of
Timothy Liljegren as a solid two-way defender will also help soften the blow of losing Holl.