3 Free-Agent Destinations for Maple Leafs' Noel Acciari

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have interest in bringing back forward Noel Acciari. The two sides will likely talk sometime over the next couple of weeks so new general manager Brad Treliving can get a sense of what Acciari's asking price will be. If the veteran center was wise, he'd wait until July to sign as the free-agent class is thin and he's going to be highly coveted. If the Leafs can't get an extension done, look for these three teams to be hard on Acciari to sign:

Pittsburgh Penguins

Yes, the Kyle Dubas vs Maple Leafs this summer and beyond will be fun to watch. The Penguins are desperate for a third-line center and Acciari couldn't be more perfect of a fit. Dubas has tried to years to acquire the depth forward and finally landed him in Toronto last season. With it be Pittsburgh next?

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers need a right-handed third-line center as much as anybody and will have interest this summer. Acciari finished last season with 23 points in 77 games between the Leafs and St Louis Blues and then chipped in with two goals in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He does all of the little things well and his work ethic is unmatched. The Oilers would be wise to make this move.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche know Acciari well from lining up against the Blues and Colorado is a team looking for help down the middle this summer. It would help give their bottom six a new identity and certainly make them a tougher team to play against. Cap space shouldn't be an issue for the Avs and with Acciari being 31, expect him to sign a three-year deal at most. It could be coming in mile high.

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