Free agency is right around the corner, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are projected to make some moves when July 1 comes around. They have several players who need new contracts, including star players such as Mitch Marner and John Tavares. The Leafs will potentially have plenty of cap space coming off their books for next season. Furthermore, every team’s salary cap is increasing by $7.5 million and will continue to rise over the next three seasons.
Over the years, Toronto have made some great signings. They’ve brought in players who have made a tremendous difference for the franchise. Here are the top three free agent signings Toronto has orchestrated in the last 10 years.
Top Three Free Agents Since 2015
1. John Tavares
Tavares is one of the biggest free-agent signings in the history of the Maple Leafs. The centre turned down multiple offers to join his hometown team. Other clubs, such as the San Jose Sharks and the New York Islanders, offered him a yearly salary of $13 million. Instead, he signed a seven-year contract with the Leafs at $11 million per season.
His first campaign with Toronto was a success, as he set career-highs across the board. He went on to score 47 goals and 88 points in the 2018-19 season. Since that first season, Tavares consistently finished each season around the point-per-game mark. He took on the role as the second-line centre behind Auston Matthews. Tavares was named captain of the Maple Leafs in his second season and represented the team with his professionalism and competitiveness.
Throughout the years, he displayed his leadership through critical moments for the team and himself. His biggest moment as a Maple Leaf was in the 2023 playoffs. He scored the overtime winner against the Tampa Bay Lightning to send Toronto to the second round for the first time since 2004. It was a big moment for the Leafs and a step in the right direction. He also recorded his 1,000th point during the 2023-24 season against the Islanders.
Tavares’ contract has now expired, and he is a pending UFA. However, he is dedicated to signing an extension with the team and staying for a few more years.
2. Chris Tanev
Chris Tanev has played one season with the Maple Leafs and has performed above expectations. Tanev is a premium defensive defenceman in the NHL, and has proved that this season for Toronto. It was a breath of fresh air for the team to have a steady, right-handed D-man who can be relied on every night.
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving gave fans and the rest of the team an understanding of his importance before he was brought in. Treliving could not be stopped when it came to acquiring Tanev. He was obsessed with the defenceman, so much so that he traded for his signing rights before he became a free agent. In addition, he tried acquiring Tanev from the Calgary Flames before he was moved to the Dallas Stars.
Toronto signed him to a lengthy six-year contract at $4.5 million at 34 years old. However, with his play during the regular season and playoffs, he’s proved to be worth it. His abilities to block shots, stick check and absorb hits overshadow his ability to play the puck. Typically, stay-at-home defencemen try to hold the puck as little as possible. On Toronto’s blueline, Morgan Rielly would be considered their best puck-mover, but Tanev is giving him a run for his money. Tanev rarely turns the puck over in the defensive zone and regularly makes crisp and accurate breakout passes.
The addition of Tanev has given Toronto’s defence a new mojo and confidence that was never owned in recent memory.
3. Anthony Stolarz
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz might be the most impressive free-agent signing from Treliving and the Leafs in a long time. He came from the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. He was the backup goalie for Sergei Bobrovsky. Stolarz has only played 34 regular-season games for Toronto this season, but his play has been revolutionary for the team.
Before he suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery, he was on pace to challenge Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck for the Vezina Trophy. He finished the season with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, leading the league in the latter category. The 31-year-old seemingly came out of nowhere, signing a two-year, $2.5 million contract with Toronto. That deal could be considered one of the best contracts in the NHL.
He played his way to be the starting goalie of the Leafs, even in the playoffs, before he suffered a concussion. He is a critical piece to Toronto having its best goaltending in decades.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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