The Toronto Maple Leafs still have a bit of cap space and could look to add another player or two to strengthen their roster.
Although forward is more of a need, Toronto could still look to upgrade its defense. One area of need on defense is a puck-moving defenseman who can help quarterback their power play, as the Maple Leafs used five forwards on the power play.
With that, NHL analyst Edward Eng of EditorInLeaf urges the Maple Leafs to sign Matt Grzelcyk.
“The Maple Leafs for the most past struggled with production from their blue liners last season other than Morgan Rielly,” Eng wrote. “As a result, it often made it easy for the opposition in terms of coverage in the defensive zone as they could focus on neutralizing the Toronto forwards without any serious threat from the point. Therefore, adding a potential puck-moving defenseman to enhance the Leafs’ offensive potential from the back end could do wonders for the club going forward.
“With that in mind, giving free agent defenseman Matt Grzelcyk a PTO should be a no-brainer after the season he had with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024-25,” Eng added. “After spending his entire NHL career previously with the Boston Bruins, Grzelcyk put together a career year with the Penguins last season by recording one goal and 39 assists for 40 points in 82 games played. In doing so, he shattered his previous high of 26 points that he registered with the Bruins in 2022–23.”
By signing Grzelcyk to a PTO, he could help quarterback its power play, and it would be a low-risk move. If he doesn’t perform in training camp or preseason, he could easily be let go, but it would be wise for Toronto to bring him in.
Grzelcyk Would Fill a Major Need for Maple Leafs
If Toronto does sign Grzelcyk, he could help quarterback its top power play unit.
With Mitch Marner gone, the Maple Leafs need someone to replace him on the back end, and Grzelcyk could take over that role.
“More importantly, 15 of the 40 points came with the man advantage, showing that Grzelcyk could potentially be an elite quarterback on the power play for the Leafs,” Eng added. “With numerous teams still balking at offering the young 31-year-old a contract to date, it is time for Toronto to jump in and take advantage of the stagnant market and give the defenseman a shot at glory.”
Grzelcyk has the capabilities to add offense to the power play and also plays well on defense, so he’d be a solid third-pairing defenseman for the Maple Leafs.
Toronto Could Move a Defenseman
If the Maple Leafs sign Grzelcyk, it would mean Toronto would have to trade a defenseman.
Toronto has eight defenseman under contract, so adding another would mean someone would have to be traded.
However, the Maple Leafs could look to trade the likes of Brandon Carlo or Morgan Rielly, as both of their names have come up in trade talks.
But, for now, Toronto will enter camp with eight defensemen likely competing for seven spots.
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