NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Linked to 3 Free-Agent Forwards
The Toronto Maple Leafs are keeping Leafs Nation at the edge of their seats heading into this offseason. Contract talks are not going well with Jack Campbell, and the team is likely going to see young defenseman Rasmus Sandin sign an offer sheet with another club. There's also some holes up front they would like to fill and for this, we examine three forwards who have recently been linked to the Maple Leafs:
Claude Giroux
The veteran free agent doesn't appear to be sticking around with the Florida Panthers. Giroux was solid for the Cats throughout the regular season and into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and now is set to hit the open market on July 13. Recently, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned Giroux as a possible long shot for the Maple Leafs, who would need to create some more cap space to make it happen.
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The Leafs are looking to trade Petr Mrazek, Justin Holl and Alex Kerfoot, so if any of these deals go down at the draft this weekend, look for the Leafs to be aggressive once the market opens. They know Giroux very well and love his versatility to play down the middle and at either wing. He'd be a great fit in Toronto.
Max Domi
Domi is someone who a lot of teams will take a look at in free agency. The 27-year-old has never reached the top of his potential, however a solid postseason with the Carolina Hurricanes has put himself back on the map for free agency. He only recorded 39 points in 72 regular season games last season, so he may have to take a short-term deal around $3.5 million if he wants to land with the Maple Leafs. His game is similar to Kerfoot's so many wonder if this would even be an upgrade should the team replace one with the other. The Pittsburgh Penguins are another team to watch in the Domi sweepstakes.
Notes from @FriedgeHNIC 32 Thoughts column
— Leafs Updates (@Ieafsupdates) July 3, 2022
- Leafs are believed to have interviewed Sylvain Rodrigue for goalie coach job
- Kuemper could be a fit along with Valeri Nichushkin and Max Domi. Claude Giroux (long-shot prediction) could be an option with $$ going out
Valeri Nichushkin
Perhaps what the Maple Leafs need the most, a winger with size who isn't afraid of the dirty areas. Valeri Nichushkin had himself a monster season at the perfect time as he's set to hit unrestricted free agency. He scored 25 goals and 52 points in 62 regular season games and went on to shine in the postseason, tallying 15 points in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He battled through a broken foot and is coming off a contract where he only made $2.5 million per season. The 6-foot-4 Russian is set to make north of $5 million and if the Leafs can move out some money, they would love to get their hands on the versatile winger for their top-six.
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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