Friedman links two high-profile free agents to the Maple Leafs

PUBLICATION

Graham Montgomery
May 6, 2024 (8:26 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

With the Leafs season wrapping up early yet again, all eyes are now on Brad Treliving and Brendan Shanahan. What will the team do in the offseason? One rumor is that they will move Mitch Marner. If they do so, Elliotte Friedman believes the team will look to add on the blueline.

Specifically, Friedman said that the Leafs are considering two top-tier unrestricted free agents this offseason. They are Brandon Montour from the Florida Panthers and Brett Pesce from the Carolina Hurricanes.

Friedman on 32 Thoughts TP mentions Brandon Montour and Brett Pesce as targets in FA. If you move on from Marner, those are your main targets. A strong puck-mover and/ or a solid two-way dman on backend. #LeafsForever

Fans seem to be very receptive to this idea, especially in regards to Montour. The Panthers defenseman had a breakout season with thew team in the 2021-22 season when he put up 37 points in 81 games.

Brandon Montour should be their #1 offseason target! Guys a winner and a warrior. If he wants to come to this dog **** team

Montour followed that up with a career year in 2022-23, potting 16 goals and 73 points. This year he regressed back to his previous marks, scoring 33 points in 66 games. Regardless, he's still proven to be a valuable two-way defenseman who can be physical as well. That is exactly what the Leafs need on the back end.

Wouldn't mind that. Honestly, I think Brandon Montour is better defensively then given credit for as well. We all know how skilled he is "offensively" but I've been very impressed with his two-way play.

That being said, the Leafs' cap situation is rather difficult. If they trade Marner though, that could open the door to some serious and much-needed improvements on the backend. We'll just have to see what the summer has in store for us.