Leafs Eye Aggressive Moves in Upcoming NHL Free Agency

With an anticipated active market due to a salary cap bump, NHL teams are bracing for one of the most aggressive off-seasons in recent memory. For the Leafs, it's a summer filled with potential as they aim to bolster their defensive lineup significantly.

Toronto's quest to reinforce their roster follows a disappointing pursuit of goaltender Jacob Markstrom, shifting their focus towards enhancing their defensive capabilities. According to Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle of The Athletic, while Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov are high on their list, the Leafs might pivot to Brady Skjei, Brandon Montour, or Matt Roy if resignations occur with their current teams.

Specifically, Tanev emerges as a prime candidate for Toronto. Acquired by Calgary in 2020, the 34-year-old defenseman is admired for his robust play, which aligns perfectly with the Leafs' current needs. Toronto could potentially offer Tanev a longer contract than he seeks, reducing the cap hit slightly and making the deal more attractive despite the long-term risks associated with such a commitment.

In contrast, Matt Roy represents an intriguing, albeit less discussed, target. After a solid season with the Los Angeles Kings, where he racked up 25 points across 81 games and demonstrated his defensive mettle with 197 blocked shots, Roy could command around $6 million annually on a long-term contract. His under-the-radar status coupled with his proven track record makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to strengthen their defense without the spotlight that follows more prominent names.

The defensive market this year is expected to see some hefty contracts, both in terms of duration and annual average value (AAV), propelled by the projected increase in the salary cap to $92 million by 2025. With nearly $20 million in cap space, the Leafs are well-positioned, yet they face stiff competition from other financially robust teams prepared to shake up the market with lucrative short-term deals.

This strategic shift in the free agency approach—prioritizing impactful short-term gains while balancing long-term financial commitments—reflects a broader trend across the league. For Toronto, securing talents like Tanev and Roy could significantly upgrade their defensive lineup, positioning them more favorably as they head into the 2024-25 season, potentially avoiding pitfalls like last year's overpayment for the oft-injured John Klingberg.

With the free agency period fast approaching, the Leafs' front office, led by Brad Treliving, appears more determined than ever to make a splash, ensuring that the team not only remains competitive but also capitalizes on the opportunities presented by the evolving NHL landscape.

Source: The Athletic

Source for Matt Roy's 2023-24 statistics: Hockey-Reference
Matt Roy