NHL free agency day one has ended, and a lot of big names signed new deals. Most of them weren't former Maple Leafs players, so we're not here to discuss them. We're here to see what new colours the players who once wore blue and white put on now.
Unless they signed in Tampa, then they're still blue and white.
Nashville Predators
Ryan O'Reilly - 4 years, $4.5M per
2023 Stats: 53GP - 16G - 14A - 30Pts
Luke Schenn - 3 years, $2.75 per
2023 Stats: 70GP - 4G - 18A - 22Pts
Both players came to the Leafs as deadline acquisitions, and the fanbase was thrilled to see them. O'Reilly had every Canadian team but the Leafs on his no trade list, and he really wanted to come. He arrived, made an impact, and made us all feel good to be Leafs fans. Schenn was once the savior draft pick under Brian Burke, but was traded to the Flyers after the half-season lock out for James van Reimsdyk.
Both players did well for the Leafs, and were part of the squad that finally made it to round two, so we thank them for that. The ROR deal isn't terrible at all, and according to Dreger Toronto was good with a deal like this, but other reports say O'Reilly never even spoke about an extension with the Leafs. Schenn is....very expensive and personally I would not want him on that deal. I was an under $1M for him, so good for Luke getting paid.
Detroit Red Wings
Justin Holl - 3 years, $3.4M per
2023 Stats: 80GP - 2G - 16A - 18Pts
Many, many, many Leafs fans are in a good mood today. Justin Holl has left the Toronto Maple Leafs and signed a three year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
A player who moved all the way through the Leafs system, from the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears, to a Calder Cup with the Toronto Marlies, and then 285 NHL games with the Maple Leafs. Someone who was considered vastly overplayed by Coach Sheldon Keefe, Holl was an ever-present player on the Leafs blueline since 2019. Someone has the chance to step up and take that place.
Carolina Hurricanes
Michael Bunting - 3 years, $4.5M per
2023 Stats: 82GP - 23G - 26A - 49Pts
One of the top six forwards on the Leafs, Auston Matthews' usual winger, is ready for the first big contract of his career. I wouldn't have minded keeping him, but his reputation with the referees in Toronto, much like Nazem Kadri, likely played a part in his departure.
Will his reputation change now that he isn't a Leaf? Will he get more of a benefit of the doubt? The Hurricanes must be thinking the answer is yes.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Noel Acciari - 3 years, $2M per
2023 Stats: 76GP - 14G - 9A - 23Pts
Came over in the O'Reilly trade, many Leafs fans like him and he did a good job with the team, but it most likely came down to him or David Kämpf, and they signed Kämpf to a similar deal so, goodbye Noel.
Radim Zohorna
10GP - 1G - 0A - 1Pt
Came over in an AHLer for AHLer trade, Dryden Hunt went to Calgary, but he got into two Leafs games and scored a goal. Wouldn't be a terrible Marlies signing but he's looking for another NHL deal.
Arizona Coyotes
Alexander Kerfoot - 2 years, $3.5M per
2023 Stats: 82GP - 10G - 22A - 32Pts
A bottom six centre, someone who many Leafs fans have wanted gone, is gone. In Arizona he will be leaned upon more, get more ice, and more money than he would have in Toronto. Enjoy Arizona, Houston, wherever you end up.
New York Rangers
Erik Gustafsson - 1 year, $825k
2023 Stats: 70GP - 7g - 35A - 42Pts
Mac Hollowell
2023 Stats: 6GP - 0G - 2A - 2Pts
Gustafsson was traded here from Washington, didn't make a huge impact, off to New York. Hollowell was a long time prospect for the Leafs, he couldn't crack the defense core and now the team wants the Marlies' slots for younger prospects.
Unsigned UFAs
Victor Mete
2023 Stats: 11GP - 0G - 2A - 2Pts
An unqualified RFA, Mete missed the majority of last season with injury.
Filip Král
2023 Stats: 2GP - 0G - 0A - 0Pts
Král was drafted in 2018 and wasn't re-signed after his ELC expired.
Wayne Simmonds
2023 Stats: 18GP - 0G - 2A - 2Pts
Scratched way more than he played, it may be time to retire.
Zach Aston-Reese
2023 Stats: 77GP - 10G - 4A - 14Pts
Leafs took a chance on him last summer, he did okay. Bottom line player, Leafs may not want to give him the raise he's looking for.
Jordie Benn
2023 Stats: 12GP - 1G - 1A - 2Pts
I forgot he was here, but he spent most of the season with the Marlies.
Carl Dahlström
Injured all season last year, only made it into eight games with the Marlies and none with the Leafs. Has gone back to Europe.
The Maple Leafs have replaced most of these players already, but centre depth may be something to look into as the off-season goes on. Most of the big moves are made, so let's enjoy the off-season.
