Maple Leafs Linked to Scoring Forward in Free Agency

If the Maple Leafs re-sign John Tavares, GM Brad Treliving could pursue UFA Brock Nelson to play alongside him.

Certainly, the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't the only team facing big free agent decisions as we get ever closer to July 1. It's just that after their debacle of getting blown out in Game 7 (and Game 5) by Florida to come up short in the playoffs yet again, questions about the team's makeup going forward are front and center.

And speaking of center, the biggest concern is who will man the pivot for their second-line next season? And third line, for that matter. With John Tavares's future still up in the air as the Leafs prepare to 'play hardball' with him in extension talks, there is another 30-something unrestricted free agent that could be on their radar as well.

According to insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, former New York Islander and current Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson could be a target:

If the Leafs re-sign Tavares, I would not be surprised if they pursued Brock Nelson in free agency to play alongside him, assuming he also hits the market July 1.

Tavares and Nelson are quite familiar with each other, having played together for five seasons with the Islanders before JT signed with Toronto.

Insider: Maple Leafs could pursue pending UFA Brock Nelson

Nelson, coming up on his age-34 campaign, would be an interesting fit next to Tavares once again, and add another much-needed scorer in the middle-six. He is an imposing 6-foot-4 presence up the middle that Toronto certainly could use.

Nelson was coming off three consecutive 30+ goal seasons coming into 2024-25, and while his production dipped just a bit, to 26 goals and 56 points, he did finish stronger in the second half, with 16 goals in his last 40 games. His offensive know-how, both at even-strength and on the power play, would be a boon for the Toronto middle-six. Under new head coach Craig Berube's system, the Leafs scored far fewer goals this year than they had in several seasons.

And in the playoffs? The Leafs scored just four goals in the final four games against Florida in the second round. Nelson, although he was shut out in seven games in this year's postseason, has 27 playoff goals in 85 games.