Toronto Maple Leafs fans learned some bad news today.
According to TSN insider Chris Johnston, it seems increasingly likely that three important players who are soon to become free agents will not be returning to the Maple Leafs next season.
Time is running out. Johnston shared his thoughts on TSN1050, suggesting that if the Leafs' General Manager Brad Treliving had plans to keep Luke Schenn, Ryan O'Reilly, and Noel Acciari on the team beyond the July 1st deadline, their contract renewals would have already been confirmed. He doesn't expect any of these players to stay.
"Chris Johnston of TSN1050 believes it's difficult to see any of Luke Schenn, ROR, or Noel Acciari returning because we're so near to July 1st, and if any were returning, they'd be done by now." - @LeafsLatest
Toronto made significant investments to acquire these athletes, including trading away a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick to get O'Reilly and Acciari from the St. Louis Blues. Sacrifices like these are common in the game, especially when you're aiming for the Stanley Cup. However, these valuable assets are now no longer available.
It's unclear what strategy Treliving will use to fill these upcoming gaps. We may get some answers when the free agency period begins on July 1st.