One of the emerging necessities for GM Kyle Dubas this offseason is shoring up the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie depth as well as looking at potential goalie targets through free agency and trade. With cap space severely limited and no clear goalie prospects waiting in the wings, the Leafs will need to consider all options this offseason.
Projected starter Jack Campbell played extremely well for the team last season while former starter and current UFA Frederik Andersen was hurt, although there are concerns as to whether the 29-year-old Campbell can transition to becoming a full-time starter after serving as a backup for much of his NHL career. After next season, Campbell will become a UFA, leaving the team with no NHL-ready goalies for the 2022-23 season, unless prospects Ian Scott or Joseph Woll can take major strides in their development playing on the Toronto Marlies.
Possible Maple Leafs’ Free Agency Goalie Targets
James Reimer
A reunion of the now 33-year-old Reimer with the Leafs could work out. He had a solid season, posting a respectable 2.66 GAA and a .906 save percentage over 22 games. A tandem of Reimer and Campbell would be a formidable option for the Maple Leafs. With a loaded goalie market this free agency as well as Reimer’s age, the Leafs could try and sign Reimer to a cheap, short-term deal to fill the gap left by the likelihood of departure Frederik Andersen.
Mrazek played alongside Reimer last year. Although, the 29-year-old dealt with injuries for much of the season. Getting into only 12 games, Mrazek posted a stellar 2.06 GAA along with a .923 save percentage. Signing Mrazek would be a risk for the Leafs, as the injury-prone netminder would likely want term on a new deal. While Mrazek would be a great addition to the Leaf’s team, he would also likely be quite expensive to sign, which may not fit well with the Leafs’ current cap restraints.
Linus Ullmark
With the departure of Frederik Andersen almost certain, the Leafs could find his successor in the form of former Buffalo Sabres starter and current UFA Linus Ullmark. Playing on a horrid Sabres team, the 27-year-old Ullmark posted a 2.63 GAA and a .917 save percentage while having to save a plethora of high-danger chances every game. A fresh start for Ullmark on a defensively sound Leafs team could serve him well, and the Leafs would benefit from his talents. While Ullmark would likely not be as cheap to sign as James Reimer, he would likely not be as expensive as Petr Mrazek and would provide a solid goaltender for the Maple Leafs.
Potential Goalie Targets Through Trade
The Leafs have been interested in Kuemper for a while, and it’s no surprise why. Prior to his injury-riddled season this year, Kuemper posted a stunning 2.22 GAA and a .928 save percentage playing on a mediocre Arizona Coyotes team. Given Arizona’s internal cap limits, they may want Kuemper’s salary off the books. The Leafs could try and get at least a portion of Kuemper’s $4.5 million cap hit retained, and send back a prospect like Joey Anderson and a mid-round pick the other way.
Georgiev is an interesting trade target for the Maple Leafs. While the young goalie didn’t have the greatest season with the New York Rangers last year, he is still young and there is plenty of room for growth. With the Rangers likely choosing Igor Shesterkin as their goalie for the future, they may try to move Georgiev for assets. Georgiev would also provide the Leafs with a goalie for the future, as the 25-year-old only has one year left on his contract until he becomes an RFA.
The Maple Leafs will need to acquire a goalie this offseason to either backup Jack Campbell or split starts with next season. Whether or not they trade for or sign one, they will need to also address their lack of goalie depth for the foreseeable future following the expiration of Campbell’s contract after next season.
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