With the NHL trade deadline behind us and playoffs approaching, the focus now shifts to players with expiring contracts and the upcoming offseason. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a mix of unrestricted (UFA) and restricted (RFA) free agents, including Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi as UFAs, and Nick Robertson, Connor Dewar, and Noah Gregor as RFAs. RFAs are under Maple Leafs’ control, while UFAs can explore free agency from July 1, 2024.
Among the listed players, attention is primarily on three forwards the Maple Leafs should extend contracts to, while Dewar and Gregor are seen as replaceable depth players. Dewar, however, might be retained on a league-minimum deal for another year.
One such forward is Nick Robertson, who despite facing injuries, has yet to establish a regular spot in the lineup. His waiver-exempt status has seen him move between the NHL and AHL, but given an opportunity due to an injury, he aims to make a lasting impact and secure his place in the team for the playoffs.
Ideally, the Maple Leafs would like to offer Robertson a contract extension, have him accept it, and secure a spot for him as a regular NHL player. However, there is a possibility that he may not want to sign with the team and could request a trade, leaving him with the option to sit out the season and become an unrestricted free agent.
It would be wise for Robertson to sign a one-way deal, meaning he would need waivers if sent down. This could open up opportunities for other teams to take a chance on him, potentially easing his path to becoming a consistent NHL player. With a solid season under his belt, Robertson has shown his value with goals and assists, contributing depth scoring to the team and showcasing his shooting abilities outside the top six. A short-term deal might be beneficial for Robertson to maximize his earnings in the long run. A one-year, $1 million offer from the Maple Leafs could give him a chance to prove himself further in the upcoming season.
Turning to Domi, who has played a versatile role for the Maple Leafs this season, shifting between wing and center across different lines. He has showcased his skills and chemistry with various teammates, showing promise in filling the void left by injured players like Marner. Domi’s contribution to depth scoring and grit has been valuable, as shown by his 35 points in 67 games. General Manager Treliving could leverage Domi’s family history with the Maple Leafs, offering him a potentially lower average annual value (AAV) deal over four seasons. A possible offer of $3 million for a total of $12 million could be considered for Domi to potentially finish his career with the team.
