The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for the upcoming free agency period, and there are some interesting lefties. Can the players named here meet secondary scoring needs and the team’s competitive edge?
The specific question I address in this post is whether the Maple Leafs should pursue one (or both) up to Rodrigues or Miles Wood as free agent deals for next season. To do so, I’m going to share ideas from a recent episode of The Hockey Writers Maple Leafs Lounge. Maple Leafs Book Loungein which Maple Leafs writers Peter Barracini and Jim Parsons talk about unrestricted free agent (UFA) signings.
In this case, Baracchini makes the case for why both Evan Rodrigues and Miles Wood might be wise targets for the Maple Leafs to sign as UFAs.
The Case of Ivan Rodrigues as a UFA Signer
The case of Toronto-born Ivan Rodrigues is simple. He is a consistent secondary scorer. Most Maple Leafs fans will remember that Rodriguez had a short stint with the team in the past. However, due to circumstances at the time, he did not receive a qualifying offer. He eventually signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
That’s when Rodrigues’ production started to increase. Indeed, over the past few seasons, his scoring has been noteworthy. As a bottom six tackler (usually), he averaged about 40 points. Since he has the ability to deliver consistent minor points, this is exactly why the Maple Leafs might jump at the chance to sign him. It will supplement their firepower.
Rodrigues brings a competitive edge and work ethic to the ice. In that, he looks like Alexander Kerfoot. However, he has the ability to bring an extra level of consistency to his offensive production.
As far as scoring goes, during the 2021-22 season with the Penguins, Rodriguez played in 82 games. Scored 19 goals and added 24 assists (for a total of 43 points). He also contributed three solid goals and seven game winners. During the 2022-23 season, he played for the Colorado Avalanche. In 69 games, he scored 16 goals and added 23 assists (for 39 points).
He would bring the secondary scoring to the Maple Leafs if he were signed.
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The case of Miles Wood as a UFA signature
The appeal of Miles Wood as a UFA target is that he will bring speed, a strong work ethic, and physicality to the team. Wood is known for his speed and tireless checking. In these two areas, he brings a unique set of skills to the table.
While Wood struggles with injuries, when he’s healthy he’s an impact player. Despite not playing a full 82-game season in recent years, Wood still manages to contribute 25 to 27 points per year for the New Jersey Devils. (It’s the only NHL team he’s played for).
Wood has the ability to score goals and be a factor in the forward check. It will add a much needed competitive edge to the Maple Leafs lineup. During the playoffs, the Maple Leafs seemed to lack a player who consistently showed a level of tenacity. That in itself would make Wood an enticing choice for this void treatment.
Last season with New Jersey, Wood scored 13 goals and added 14 assists (for 27 points) in 76 games.
Related: Should the Maple Leafs target Lars Eller as a free agent?
Rodrigues and Wood will both be strong on the left wing
Maple Leafs need to reinforce the depth of their left wing. Rodrigues and Wood both possess the qualities needed to fill this role effectively. But they are different players.
Rodrigues will generate the secondary scoring and provide consistency. Wood was bringing pace, work ethic, and physicality to the team. In different ways, both of them will enhance the offensive capabilities of the team. Both players will contribute to the score sheet and amplify the energy and competitiveness of the squad.
bottom line
As the Maple Leafs prepare to fill their roster with effective free agents, two areas the team must fill are secondary scoring and adding a competitive advantage on the left wing. As Baracchini notes, Rodrigues and Wood appear as ideal candidates who can meet these requirements.
If a team can add one or two of these players to its roster, it can boost attacking depth and inject much-needed energy. Those were two things the team was lacking during the very short qualifying period.
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