The robust right-shot defenseman, ahead of the NHL free agency period. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, writing for The Athletic, the Leafs might keep the defenseman within their fold, which contradicts earlier speculations about his market availability.
Originally joining the Leafs in March for a mix of sixth and third round picks, Lyubushkin left for the Buffalo Sabres in the summer of 2022 under a two-year contract. However, financial constraints forced a move, and his journey continued to the Anaheim Ducks. The $2.75M cap hit of his previous contract was a stretch for the Leafs back then, but the current offseason paints a different financial picture. With nearly $20M in cap space, projections from Evolving Hockey suggest a potential 1-year deal for Lyubushkin at a more manageable AAV of $1.475M.
Lyubushkin's role has primarily been that of a third-pairing defenseman, known for his penalty killing, shot-blocking prowess, and physical gameplay. However, due to lineup constraints, his duties often extended beyond this role, pairing him with top players like Morgan Rielly. This mismatch in expectations versus role might find a resolution this season if Toronto can integrate a high-profile name to their defensive lineup, potentially allowing Lyubushkin to thrive in a more suitable third-pairing position.
In his recent stint split between Anaheim and Toronto, Lyubushkin racked up significant defensive statistics, with 168 blocks, 176 hits, and an average of 17 minutes on ice over 74 games.
As the Leafs aim to optimize their defensive strategy, the potential re-signing of Lyubushkin could be a key move in fortifying their backline without straining their financial limits. This development, intriguingly highlighted by Chris Johnston, could signal a strategic shift for the Leafs as they navigate the complexities of salary cap management and team dynamics in the upcoming season.
