The 2024-25 NHL season is approaching in under two months, yet the Toronto Maple Leafs may not be finished tweaking their roster. Following another early playoff exit, GM Brad Treliving has been active in making improvements, particularly on defense. He has added Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson and might also sign Jani Hakanpaa before the season starts. Additionally, Treliving brought in goaltender Anthony Stolarz to replace Ilya Samsonov.
However, the Maple Leafs have not made any forward additions, largely due to constraints imposed by the NHL salary cap and no-movement clauses affecting potential trades. Despite this, a new forward acquisition could be on the horizon based on recent reports.
In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the Maple Leafs are exploring options to bolster their left wing. Friedman, a well-regarded insider, noted, “I think there are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options.”
Elliotte Friedman is known for his reliable insights, and his recent comments about the Maple Leafs’ left-wing situation appear to be spot on. Analyzing the Maple Leafs’ roster for the 2024-25 season reveals a potentially weak spot on the left side.
According to LeafsNation, the projected left wingers are Matthew Knies, Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg, and Connor Dewar. While players like William Nylander and Max Domi can play on the left side, this lineup suggests a noticeable gap in talent, regardless of how head coach Craig Berube configures his lines.
The focus now shifts to potential left-wing targets for the Maple Leafs. With a tight salary cap, acquiring a new left wing poses challenges, but there are intriguing options available.
James van Riemsdyk remains a notable free agent. At 35, he may not be the scoring powerhouse he once was, but he offers valuable secondary scoring and has a history with the Maple Leafs.
Other potential free-agent targets include Mike Hoffman and Max Pacioretty. Hoffman’s production dropped significantly last season, partly due to playing with the struggling San Jose Sharks. Pacioretty, meanwhile, has been plagued by injuries, but a full summer of training might restore his effectiveness. Both players could provide a cost-effective boost to the Maple Leafs’ roster.
Several high-quality left wingers might be available around or before the 2025 Trade Deadline, including Nikolaj Ehlers, Andrei Kuzmenko, Taylor Hall, Jason Zucker, and Andrew Mangiapane. Although these players would be excellent additions, GM Brad Treliving would need to navigate some complex cap issues to acquire any of them.
Meanwhile, while the Maple Leafs are exploring external options, they also have promising young players who could step up. Leading the charge is Matthew Knies, who made a strong impression in his rookie season with 15 goals and 35 points. Additionally, Nick Robertson, a restricted free agent (RFA), could have a significant impact if he is signed and has a breakout year.
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