Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Today, it’s about the Toronto Maple Leafs and how they could be looking for a left winger. According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, in the written version of 32 Thoughts, the Maple Leafs are not done. In the back nine of this offseason, Toronto is looking to bolster their offence, specifically the left wing position. This deep into free agency, there aren’t many players available to be signed, compared to the opening day, July 1st. However, there are a few left wingers that Toronto might look at to join them next season.
Friedman in 32T writes: "I think there are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) August 25, 2024
Available Left Wingers That Could Join Toronto
Max Pacioretty
Max Pacioretty is a very experienced forward. He’s played over 900 games in the NHL for four different teams. If Toronto general manager Brad Treliving were to prepare an offer for the left winger, it might not cross over well with their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Pacioretty was drafted by the Canadiens, 22nd overall in 2007, and was a member of the Habs for 10 seasons. In three of those seasons, he was the captain of the storied franchise and was a big help when they advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in 2014. After his time in Montreal, he was involved in a big trade, sending him to the Vegas Golden Knights. However, over the last two years or so, the forward has dealt with several injuries, including a few serious Achilles injuries.
Last season, Pacioretty was a member of the Washington Capitals and finished the season with them, playing 47 regular season games and four playoff games (the club was eventually swept by the New York Rangers). He scored a total of four goals and 24 points for the Capitals on a team that struggled to find the back of the net. Make no mistake, Pacioretty knows a thing or two about lighting the lamp, in 2014, he did it 39 times. In contrast, the left winger will be turning 36 years old in the fall, and Toronto can’t expect the Pacioretty from a decade ago. Nonetheless, he would provide experience, leadership, and the hunger to bring a Stanley Cup title to Toronto.
Dominik Kubalik
Dominik Kubalik is another option Toronto could look at for their left wing. He is much younger than Pacioretty. He just turned 29 just over a week or so ago. Kubalik is another great scorer but has far less experience in his career, including the playoffs. He played just under 400 games, which is still respectable, but only made one playoff appearance in his career. In his five-year NHL career, he’s played for the Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was drafted in the seventh round by the Blackhawks and visited the playoffs in his rookie season. This was when teams played in a qualifying round when the Covid-19 pandemic was holding back the league.
In those playoffs, he was pretty solid, scoring eight points in nine games on what was a very average Chicago team. The 2019-20 season holds up as Kubalik’s best season to date. However, the Czech forward still played great hockey in the following seasons. In 2022-23 with the Red Wings, he scored 45 points in 81 games, one point shy of equaling his career best. Last season with the Senators, his offensive production took a hit, given the circumstances of the team, that’s not a surprise. He scored 11 goals and 15 points in 74 games, averaging just over 12 minutes of ice time. All in all, Kubalik is a solid player and could produce in the right role. It would be interesting to see what he would be capable of on Toronto’s left wing.
What Does This Mean for Nick Robertson?
Back in June, Toronto left winger Nick Robertson requested a trade out of Toronto. It was clear that with all the skill in Toronto’s forward group it was hard for Robertson to get a fair shot. However, Treliving seemingly dismissed that request and said that Robertson is an important player for the Leafs. Even though Robertson wants out and Treliving wants him to stay, a contract still needs to be signed.
If Treliving wants the left winger off his hands, Toronto will have to figure out a sign-and-trade. This is because Robertson is currently without a contract as a restricted free agent. Although it seemed that the general manager wanted the 22-year-old to stay. In the end, this rumour about looking for a new left winger might make the situation a little clearer. According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs have just over $1.2M to spend. In search of a new left winger, they may have to use all of it.
Main photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
