01-07-2025
The highs and lows of Canada Day free agency for Maple Leafs
Article content
Make that a lower-case 'f' in what's usually Free Agent Frenzy on Canada Day.
Given some of the biggest decisions were settled before noon on July 1, there's not a lot of thunder expected from teams such as the Maple Leafs.
Article content
But Toronto has never shied away from significant UFA moves in the past, some with the desired boost , others that were busts.
Article content
HITS
2024 – G Anthony Stolarz.
From a back-up role in Florida to the NHL's regular seasoin save percentage leader at .926.
2018 – C John Tavares
His almost point-a-game production in regular season, went a long way to mitigating the seven-year, $77 million price tag Leafs had to out-bid everyone and bring him home. Now they keep him at a discount.
2016 — F Matt Martin.
His job, as coach Mike Babcock described it, 'keep the flies away' from young stars.
2009 – F Colton Orr
Added some needed muscle for a few years after Tie Domi retired.
2006 — D Hal Gill/D Pavel Kubina
Not blockbusters, but incoming GM John Ferguson went a long way to propping up the blueline.
1998 — RW Steve Thomas
Happy homecoming helped Leafs to the 1999 Cup semifinal.
1998– G Curtis Joseph
Sweet deal that began with chance meeting in an ice cream parlour with president Ken Dryden. Signed a second time in 2008.
Article content
MISSES
2021 – G Petr Mrazek
His three-year contract ended in a salary dump.
2021 – RW Nick Ritchie
Had a shot on he first line, much more was expected before Leafs demoted and eventually traded him.
2017 – C Patrick Marleau
Established player and great mentor for the young Leafs, but three years at $18.75 million came back to haunt their accountants,.
2013– F David Clarkson
GM Dave Nonis misjudged Clarkson's impact, but not before awarding seven years at $36.75 million..
2009 – D Mike Komisarek
Tried too hard to make an immediate impact.
2008 – D Jeff Finger
A four-year, $14 million mistake for Cliff Fletcher in his second incarnation as GM.
2007 — LW Jason Blake
Was not the answer for Mats Sundin on the first line.
X: @sunhornby
Latest National Stories
