Brad Treliving Absolutely Can't Let Kyle Dubas Ink Top Free Agent
Brad Treliving has had an active first offseason as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Most of his acquisitions have been to improve the depth of the star-heavy Leafs' team. There is one player left on the free agent market that could be his biggest impact signing yet.
Tatar Still On The Open Market
Tomas Tatar is the biggest name still available on the free agent market. The 32-year-old forward had a successful season with the New Jersey Devils in 2022-23. He put up 48 points in 82 games in a middle-six role with the young Devils team. Tatar is a playmaking winger with good hockey IQ that can blend into any line he is put on.
Dubas And Treliving Bid Over Yet Another Player
The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly interested in bringing Tatar to town.
Around the NHL: Kyle Dubas remains in pursuit of bringing Tomas Tatar to Pittsburgh
By Mike Gould
#MapleLeafs #LeafsForever
If Treliving were to get in on negotiations they would once again be bidding against one another. The first go around Dubas got the better of Treliving and acquired Norris Trophy winning defenseman Erik Karlsson. This negotiation is for far less stakes and less cost however as Tatar's contract is likely to come in at a low cap hit. According to Rob Rossi of The Athletic, all it would take to potentially swing Tatar is a guaranteed contract. As of now, he is only slated to be given a PTO by the Penguins
Tatar could be a great addition to the Leafs and another veteran presence with playoff experience on the roster. It would also show that Treliving was able to one-up his predecessor. While the addition of Tatar won't make or break the Leafs' season having him as a cheap option who is reliable is better than another contender having him.
| POLL | ||
Where will Tomas Tatar sign? | ||
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 363 | 42.1 % |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 500 | 57.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
