Three Free Agents the Leafs Must Invite to Training Camp
The Maple Leafs are always looking to better and could do so by inviting these three players to training camp.
Three Players The Maple Leafs Should Invite
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had quite a successful offseason thus far. With signing players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, Ryan Reaves, and John Klingberg, Brad Treliving has proven that he is ready to help the Leafs make their cup run.
While there is a lot of progress made, there is still more that can be done.
A PTO (Professional Try Out) is a great way for a team to take a low-risk bet that pays dividends come playoff time. Here are a few players the Maple Leafs should take a chance on.
3. Paul Stastny
There are currently rumors that Paul Stastny may be retiring but a chance with the Leafs could help keep him around just a bit longer. The 37 year old has yet to win a Stanley Cup and the chance at winning one in Toronto could keep him out of retirement.
While he is no longer the 60-80 point player he used to be, he is still quite solid. With Carolina last season, Stastny posted 22 points in 73 games in a 4th line role.
While the numbers might not be earth shattering, he provided an excellent defensive game and brought a veteran presence to the Hurricanes' locker room.
2. Nolan Patrick
Patrick is an intriguing case. He was once the next big thing in hockey and even after missing most of his draft year, he was still worthy of being selected 2nd overall ahead of Miro Hieskanen, Cale Makar, and Elias Pettersson.
However, the injuries he has sustained have prevented him from ever truly adjusting to the NHL level. Last season, he did not play a single game.
He is currently unsigned and if the Leafs feel that Patrick can offer a supplementary offensive kick with some upside, he should be a bet worth making.
At only 24, Patrick can still become a top line player if he can remain healthy.
1. Tyler Motte
Motte should be the number one player the Leafs should be targeting. He is not the biggest player at only 5'10" but he plays like he is 6'6". He is a playoff style player who can get under his oppositions skin quite well.
He is coming off of a career high 19 points as well which could be a sign that he can provide some extra scoring when need be.
If the Maple Leafs bring Motte in, he could be a fanastic fourth line player and while not flashy, he would be a player that ensures the puck stays out of his own net.
As seen on The Leafs Nation - 5 free agents the Maple Leafs should consider inviting to training camp
| POLL | ||
Of these players, who do you want the Leafs to acquire the most? | ||
| Stastny | 671 | 45.8 % |
| Patrick | 396 | 27 % |
| Motte | 399 | 27.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
