Maple Leafs Insider wish list (part 1): Some options for the Leafs in the off-season
Kyle Dubas has his work cut out again in the 2022 off-season. The Leafs will be looking for value at a cheap cost that can contribute to the depth and middle forward group. With some possible bolstering on defense with the return of players such as Justin Holl and Ilya Lyubushkin up in the air. Kyle Dubas has stated that management will be looking for more "tenacity" this off-season so let's dive in, here are some possible players that could be wearing the Maple Leaf in the 2022-2023 season.
Dylan Larkin: The 25-year-old Centre and Captain of the up and coming Detroit Red Wings may seem like an eye-popper at first glance but would be the perfect addition to slot in on the second line, especially if moving John Tavares to the wing is actually something that the coaching staff might be entertaining. Larkin carries a $6.1M AAV into next season as well, which means a trade involving William Nylander or things similar in value would have to happen to make this work in the sense of dollars and in the eyes of Detroit management.
Max Domi: The feisty Domi would check the boxes of tenacity and passion, and bring a hometown edge to his game as a Maple Leaf in part due to his family connection, and love of the Toronto Maple Leafs growing up in and around the Air Canada Centre. Domi's cap hit this season came in at $5.3M, but he should be available for less this summer - especially in a flat cap. Domi could be an excellent value get and an energy player with some grit/skill. After seeing what he's done in the playoffs with the Canes so far, Tie Domi's offspring clearly lives for the big moments and spotlight.
Mason Marchment: Kyle Dubas could make up for an earlier mistake by simply signing back the player they traded away for a now non-existent Denis Malgin. With some skill and sandpaper, it's hard not to miss the big-bodied Marchment and think he could fit in quite well on this Leafs roster. The simple fact is, Florida will not have the funds available for a Marchment raise, and he'll be looking into the range of what the Leafs can afford, anywhere between $1.5M - $3.5M AAV, likely towards the higher end.
Frank Vatrano: Vatrano has provided a great surplus to the New York Rangers and carries a comfortable cap hit of about $2.5M AAV, he has the ability to be slotted into the middle and skill up and down the lineup. I can't imagine that he's going to command a high asking price this summer, but depending on what he does in these playoffs, he may see a slight increase in pay.
Erik Gudbranson/Ilya Lyubushkin: More so spit-balling on this one, but due to the log jam at defense on the left side, the Leafs may be looking for a solid guy on the right with a low-cost cap hit that doesn't need too many minutes and can play playoff defense. The hard-hitting Gudbranson can take and dish out punishment in front of the net and has been solid for Calgary. The 30-year-old defensive defensemen could look attractive to a team looking for some more bite on the back end with a low cap hit. However, the Leafs may already have this type of player in Ilya Lyubushkin if they choose to re-sign him, and if he comes in at an AAV not much higher or equal to what he made last season ($1.35M).
John Gibson: Last but not least, the biggest area for concern this off-season is the crease. With a total unknown on where the two sides stand for Jack Campbell's new contract and the nose-dive of Petr Mrazek this season, the Leafs could be looking for two new goaltenders. If they choose to invest in a primary option, the backup role will go to a prospect the organization feels is ready or that needs to make the jump, AKA Erik Källgren or Joseph Woll. This would free up money to make a play for a guy that management trusts to handle a full workload and perform. Dubas has reportedly had previous interest in John Gibson, as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman pointed out recently, as well as a good relationship with the Ducks front office. This type of trade would require the Leafs sending back some salary the other way and including one or more Grade A prospects or high picks, but this is a position of dire importance. Locking up a true number one is priority number one if Campbell does not return.
There are even more players to list that could fit into the Leafs plans, as there is a plethora of UFA's to hit the market that could provide what the Leafs need. Either way, this will be a very interesting offseason, and even with a tight cap, the Leafs are in a great position to do some tinkering to push the team over the edge.
