This past summer, the Leafs were linked to and missed on several UFAs; Here's how a few are doing with their respective teams
Last offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs chose not to take a big swing in the free agency market. Instead, they limited their signings to low key depth pieces and value signings, headlined by goaltender Ilya Samsonov and forward Calle Jarnkrok. Below is a list of last season's unrestricted free agents who the Leafs were connected to and how they are doing this season.
Dylan Strome - Washington Capitals
Strome signed a one year deal worth $3.5 million with the Capitals this offseason. The 25-year-old has been making an impact for the Caps, posting 25 points (9 goals & 16 assists) in 36 games played so far this season. That is good for third on the team in points. He has been centering the team's top line (playing between Alexander Ovechkin and Conor Sheary) in Backstrom's absence and is averaging 16 minutes and 59 seconds of ice time per game. Considering he is on a 57-point pace while making the same as Leafs forward Alexander Kerfoot, who is on pace for half that, it is fair to say he has been a valuable signing for the Capitals, who currently hold the 2nd Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference.
Max Domi - Chicago Blackhawks
Domi signed a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Blackhawks this offseason. The 27-year-old has been a great addition for the rebuilding Hawks, posting 23 points (11 goals & 12 assists) in 32 games played. That is good for second on the team in points. He has been centering the top line, playing with superstar winger Patrick Kane and is second among forwards in ice time, averaging 18 minutes and 34 seconds per game in Chicago. Given the Hawks are in rebuild mode, it feels like a certainty that Domi will be moved on or before the trade deadline this season. He brings a bit of grit and can contribute offensively, which are some things the Maple Leafs may be looking for, perhaps an ideal trade target for Kyle Dubas and the Leafs prior to this years trade deadline?
John Klingberg - Anaheim Ducks
Klingberg signed a one year deal worth $7 million for the Ducks this past summer. The right-shooting defensemen currently sits second on the Ducks in ice time, averaging 21 minutes and 48 seconds per game. He has posted 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points through his 28 games played. With Anaheim currently tied for second last in the entire NHL, it feels likely they will try and flip Klingberg on or prior to this year's trade deadline. Given how well Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren have played, I don't feel like Klingberg is the missing ingredient for the Leafs to make a deep playoff run. I'd imagine they're no longer interested.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 463 ANSWERS This past summer, the Leafs were linked to and missed on several UFAs; Here's how a few are doing with their respective teams If the Leafs could acquire one of the following this year, who should it be? | ||
| Max Domi | 132 | 28.5 % |
| John Klingberg | 91 | 19.7 % |
| Dylan Strome | 60 | 13 % |
| None of the above | 180 | 38.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
