Perhaps there is a lull that is the same for every NHL team. However, it seems really quiet for the Toronto Maple Leafs at a time during the holiday season when I can expect a little more action. You may have forgotten how this works in June.
The Maple Leafs have a lot of work to do in what seems like not a lot of time to do it. Specifically, for this post, I’m going to look at three unrestricted free agents that the team could potentially consider. Of those players who finished the season with the team, which ones should the Maple Leafs seek to sign or let go of?
Related: The Maple Leafs are unwise to ask for Duane’s help in stretching Matthews
Consider Aston Reese, O’Reilly and Hull
In this post I first want to look at Zach Aston-Reese (ZAR). Last season was his first in Toronto. Second, I want to look at Ryan O’Reilly (ROR). O’Reilly came in at the trade deadline and the team hoped he could be the turning point in getting them over the hump. Third, I want to take a look at Justin Hall. Hall has played for the Maple Leafs for the past six seasons.
For the sake of this post, let’s assume that the three players involved wish to return to the team. This may be a little far fetched, especially for Hall. Although he’s said he’d like to go back to Toronto, given his reception and the fact that he was a tad among Maple Leafs fans, you’d think he’d jump at the chance to leave – perhaps just about anywhere – if he were given a similar contract offer. It must have been a tough ride on a personal level some nights.
I will be giving each player the reasons for and against to bring them back for the 2023-24 season.
1st player: Zack Aston Reese – Should the Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign him?
There are a number of reasons to re-sign Aston Reese. These include:
Reason number one: He has a strong asset verification game
Aston-Reese’s effective risk-checking style creates advantages for the Maple Leafs by putting pressure on opponents and disrupting play.
The second reason: its nature
The team benefits from Aston Race’s physical presence, as his successes create space for his teammates. Adds a level of edginess to the collection.
The third reason: its presence in the anterior retina
Aston Reese has the ability to fight in front of the net, leading to goalscoring opportunities and screens for his teammates. Enhances the team’s attack and defense.
Reason four: It’s on hat-friendly countertops
Re-signing Aston Reese at an expected cost of less than $1 million allows the Maple Leafs to devote resources to other areas of need while maintaining a capable lead.
One potential drawback
The first reason: does he take a spot from emerging prospects?
Are there promising prospects within the Maple Leafs organization, such as Bobby McMann or Matthew Knies, who could make Aston-Reese a consumable if they show potential and fit in his role?
Related: Could Phil Kessel Be a Valuable Addition to the Maple Leafs?
Player 2: Ryan O’Reilly, should the Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign him?
There are a number of reasons to re-sign O’Reilly.
The first reasons: the impact of his interval performance
O’Reilly’s experience, leadership, and championship resume add value to the team, particularly during the playoffs.
The second reason: the potential suitability of it
If O’Reilly is willing to accept a short-term contract at a lower average annual value (AAV), he can still contribute to the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Seems to bring out the best in John Tavares.
Reasons why O’Reilly might head to free agency
The first reason: the limits of his contract
If O’Reilly was offered a significant contract, expected to be $5.5 million per year over four years, it could be difficult for the Maple Leafs to make that fit within the constraints of their salary cap.
The second reason: his skating speed and his needs
O’Reilly is good, but not fast. The team may see potential in adding more speed to the squad. If so, that could affect O’Reilly’s potential role and lead him to look for the best fit elsewhere.
Third player: Justin Hall, should the Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign him?
There are a number of reasons to re-sign Justin Hall:
The first reason: his defensive stability
Hall has shown the ability to be a solid defensive tackle, particularly in puck control on penetration.
Reason two: He’s the right-hand man of defence
Hall is valuable as a right-handed defenseman who can kill penalties. This makes him attractive to almost any team. He rarely uses the right hand.
The third reason: potentially having a friend-to-roof contract
With an estimated salary cap around $2.5 million, Hall could provide a cost-effective option for the Maple Leafs (or another team) looking to boost their defensive depth.
Reasons against re-signing Justin Hall
The first reason: its inconsistent performance
Hall makes an accidental mistake or omission in his position. These raise concerns about his ability to perform consistently at a high level.
The second reason: are there emerging prospects?
The emergence of prospects Timothy Lillgren and Conor Timmins on the right side of defense could make Hull expendable. If there is a younger, more reliable defensive lineman who might play right away, the team will open up opportunities for these prospects to make an impact.
bottom line
As the offseason progresses, the Maple Leafs must make important decisions about Aston-Reese, O’Reilly, and Holl. Each player provides a unique set of reasons for and against re-signing.
Ultimately, decisions depend on the Maple Leafs’ long-term goals, roster plans, and the availability of other options in free agency or within their organization that are just as good (and potentially much cheaper).
We’ll see what the team does in a few weeks.
Related: Prediction: Conor Timmins will have a breakout season in 2023-24