In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at several suggested free-agent targets for the Maple Leafs and the latest on the Red Wings.
THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan observed that the next Maple Leafs general manager will have a projected $22.2 million in salary-cap space to work with for 2026-27. That will give them enough room to pursue a player or two via free agency.
Koshan acknowledged that this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market is thin on talent, but he singled out six pending UFAs who might help the Maple Leafs.
Topping the list is Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darryn Raddysh, who had a career-best performance this season with 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points. However, there is a concern that he’d be a one-hit wonder, especially for any team that pays him more than $7 million annually.
Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh could either succeed beyond the Maple Leafs’ wildest dreams or become a very expensive bust.
Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is a complete power forward, scoring at least 33 goals in three of the last four seasons. He’d slot in nicely on the Maple Leafs’ first line, but his asking price of between $10 million and $11 million is a concern.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch would be a great fit on the Maple Leafs, but it seems more likely that he’ll re-sign with the Sabres.
Former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving attempted to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was shipped to the Vegas Golden Knights. Adding Andersson or Raddysh might be more palatable if the Maple Leafs could move Morgan Rielly.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson has a better body of work than Raddysh, making him a better fit on the Leafs’ blueline. However, it’s believed the Golden Knights will re-sign him once they become cap compliant for next season.
Edmonton Oilers winger Jack Roslovic, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, and Oilers blueliner Connor Murphy round out Koshan’s list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic’s inconsistent play explains why he’s bounced around the league so much in recent years. Trouba isn’t likely to return north of the border. The 33-year-old Murphy could quickly become an expensive depth defenseman.
Meanwhile, Koshan’s colleague Lance Hornby listed the top-five general manager candidates to watch as the Maple Leafs’ search for a new GM appears to be nearing its end.
Former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis tops this list, followed by New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin and former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka. Dallas Stars director of hockey operations Scott White and Boston Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold round out his list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: What say you, Leafs fans? Who would you prefer to see as your next general manager? Let us know in the comments below.
WHAT WILL THE RED WINGS DO TO IMPROVE THEIR ROSTER?
THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at what the Detroit Red Wings must accomplish this summer.
Finding a top-line left wing is among their priorities. It’s been an issue plaguing them since last season. Rookie Emmitt Finnie filled that role for most of this season, but they must find a more proven option or a player with the potential to become one.
The options in the free-agent market are weak. Bultman suggested finding a solution in the trade market, perhaps a player who might thrive with a change of scenery.
Bultman also believes the Red Wings must reshape their bottom-six forwards. “They need more offense, more physicality, just more to make the lineup deeper and more balanced.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Improving the bottom six could be an easier task than finding a first-line left winger. Their need for a reliable second-line center could be a greater priority.
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Red Wings’ need to bolster their roster this summer through trades and free agency means they won’t have much room to retain their unrestricted free agents.
They include right wing Patrick Kane, left wing James van Riemsdyk, left wing David Perron, defenseman Travis Hamonic, and goaltender Cam Talbot.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now expects the Wings will re-sign Kane and part ways with the rest.