Three Players That Probably Won't Be Back With The Maple Leafs Next Season
Even if this year is not over yet, it's always fun to look ahead to the next campaign. What's the team going to look like after the summer? There are three players on the Leafs' current roster who may not be back in Toronto next season. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Three Players That Probably Won't Be Back With The Maple Leafs Next Season
First on the list is Justin Holl. While he's had a decent season in terms of penalty killing, he's struggled to produce much offensively and has become a target of criticism from Leafs fans. With a number of capable right-handed defensemen already signed for next season, it seems unlikely that Holl will stay in Toronto. It wouldn't be surprising to see him sign with another team on a one-year deal.
Next up is Erik Gustafsson, a 30-year-old offensive defenseman who was picked up at the trade deadline. While he has put up some impressive numbers in the past, he hasn't played particularly well since joining the Leafs. With a crowded blue line, Gustafsson may have a tough time finding ice time in the playoffs, and his contract expires at the end of the season. Unless he can turn things around quickly, it's improbable that he'll be back in Toronto next year.
Finally, there's Zach Aston-Reese, a fourth-line forward who has spent the entire season in that role. While he provides some physicality and grit, the team has a number of young, talented wingers who are waiting, and they'll likely be given a chance to earn a spot on the roster in training camp. This could push Aston-Reese out of town.
While all three of them will probably help the Leafs in the playoffs, it would be surprising to see them stay in Toronto next season.
| POLL | ||
Which player do you think is most likely to re-sign in Toronto over the summer? | ||
| Justin Holl | 133 | 17.7 % |
| Zach Aston-Reese | 153 | 20.3 % |
| Erik Gustafsson | 147 | 19.5 % |
| None | 319 | 42.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
