The Toronto Maple Leafs have a need for a top-six forward and could still fill the need in free agency.
Although the top names in free agency have all signed, there are still some good NHL players available. With the Maple Leafs still needing a top-six winger to help replace the offense of Mitch Marner, Toronto should look to sign Joel Kiviranta to fill that hole.
Kiviranta is arguably the best free agent available, and his still being unsigned is a bit of a surprise. Given that he’s unsigned, the Maple Leafs could offer Kiviranta a one-year deal worth around $1 million, which would be a raise from what he made last season.
Kiviranta could slide into being the Maple Leafs’ second-line left winger. This is a need as that role is held by Bobby McMann, who is likely a better third-line forward.
Kiviranta recorded 16 goals and 7 assists for 23 points in 79 games with the Colorado Avalanche last season. He’s an undrafted free agent who’s known for his work ethic. So, he would be a hard worker looking to earn a top-six role with the Maple Leafs.
The 29-year-old has also appeared in 51 playoff games. In his playoff career, he recorded 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points. So he would add experience to the lineup.
Ultimately, at this stage of the offseason, Kiviranta could be a low-risk, high-reward signing. He has the upside of being a top-six forward and adding some secondary scoring to the lineup.
Avalanche Coach Heaped Praise on Kiviranta
Kiviranta is coming off a career year with the Avalanche, but wasn’t re-signed and is still a free agent.
Kiviranta being a free agent still is a surprise, especially given the role he played with Colorado last season. During the season, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar heaped praise on the Finnish forward.
“I feel like (Kiviranta’s) game started at a really high level this year,” Bednar said. “(It) kind of picked up where it left off (from) last year’s playoffs and second half of the year, and he’s been there all year. So that leads to more scoring opportunities, he’s putting the puck in the net more, but I do think it’s nothing special. I think it’s just him getting to a high level and staying there. He’s been one of our most consistent players all year.”
Kiviranta was also a fan favorite in the locker room due to his work ethic. Meanwhile, he can play up and down the lineup, which would benefit coach Craig Berube and his lineup construction.
Maple Leafs Need Another Top-Six Winger
Toronto saw Mitch Marner leave this offseason, which was a tough blow to their offense.
In the offseason, the Maple Leafs added more depth to the lineup and focused on improving the bottom-six. Toronto added Nic Roy, Mattias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Michael Pezzetta, who all, besides Maccelli, are expected to be bottom-six forwards.
However, after the opening day of free agency, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving made it clear that a top-six forward is key for the team.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day… In a situation where a player was walking away this morning for nothing, we were able to recoup a player that fits a need for us… Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole,” Treliving said on July 1. “That’s really where our focus is.”
Toronto has just under $3 million in cap space.
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