Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treleving is going shopping this summer. The roster has some shining holes among the bottom six, and with the prospect of nearly $20 million in cap space, there’s no doubt Treliving will click his card to land some forwards.
While I don’t expect the likes of Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko to end up in Toronto, there are several free forwards who could help provide some depth for the Maple Leafs and be targets for Treliving. They include:
Corey Perry
Yes, “The Worm” should be on Treliving’s radar as well Corey Perry He will be a great fit next season for the Maple Leafs. Never mind ranting about speed because Perry is getting up there in age and has many other assets he would bring to the table in Toronto. He’s also never been fast, so it’s not like he’s a freshman at this point in his career.
Berry relies on his hockey IQ to make an impact on the game. He loves to piss people off and always does his best to throw his opponents for a loop with mind games throughout the game.
Perry has been linked to Toronto in the past and spends much of his summer golfing in London, with Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin. He’d be a very cheap $1 million single-season option who could play on the Leafs’ fourth line and second power play unit. Perry is a beast in front of the net and has some of the softest hands on the court. The Leafs second unit could use more of this.
Last season, the 38-year-old winger had 12 goals and 25 points in 81 games. He’s still the same as always and he rose to the occasion in the first round against the Maple Leafs, adding another five points in six Stanley Cup games. While the move may anger a group of people in Leafs Nation, Treliving needs to consider the addition. Perry makes a lot of sense for the Maple Leafs.
Tyler Mott
Although not the sexiest of names, New York Rangers awaiting free agent Tyler Motte could be a target for the Maple Leafs. He would be a great option for the team’s third line and is also an above-average penalty killer, which could help fill the team’s second unit where they could lose both. David fights and Noel Accari.
after Mid-season trade Returning to the Rangers via the Ottawa Senators, Mott produced 10 points in 24 games. He could have been on pace to dash his career in points had he played the entire season on Broadway.
Motte would provide more sandpaper for the Maple Leafs and help them become a tougher team to play against. The Florida Panthers bullied Toronto during the second round and Treliving needs to find some more toughness this summer. Adding Motte on the cheap would be the start. The 28-year-old winger will likely be looking at a one- or two-year deal at $1.5 million per year. Something that could easily fit into the Leafs books.
Miles Wood
The New Jersey Devils were one of the more balanced teams in 2022-23 and a big part of that was playing winger Miles Wood. He’s a suspended free agent who might be an odd man out in Jersey. If so, Treliving needs to inquire about the asking price.
Wood finished with 27 points in 76 games last season and also broke 100 scores in the process. He’s one of the smoothest skaters in the league and the Maple Leafs should get faster as a group next season. Wood made $3.2 million last season and will likely be around $2.5-3 million in a long-term deal. At 27 years old, he’s one of the younger free agent options available this summer and has been part of the Devils’ organization since 2013 when he was named in the fourth round.
Wood’s in-your-face style is something Toronto can lose if Michael Bunting walks. While Bunting is a much more offensive threat, Treliving could help replace some minor points, speed and sandpaper by adding Wood to the mix in July.
Leafs Nation can expect a busy but measured season from Treliving. He won’t make moves just to say he’s making his mark on the Maple Leafs and is looking for a new GM in Toronto to be wary of among the vulnerable free agent class. If he goes to buy a good deal, these three forwards can play.