Low Risk Players The Maple Leafs Must Add Before Next Season

The PTO (Player Try Out) has been a staple of training camp hockey for years now. NHL veterans without a home get a chance to earn a roster spot with a team. There are currently several free agents who could be good bets to take on a PTO. Three that top the list are Paul Stastny, Nolan Patrick, and Tyler Motte.

Paul Stastny is a 17-year NHL veteran who has played every role imaginable in the league. He has been a number-one center as well as a depth forward. There are rumors that he is considering retirement but an opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup is always an enticing offer. If the Leafs can get Stastny it would be a fantastic budget signing to give stability to the bottom of their lineup.

Nolan Patrick is a player who had all the hype and potential imaginable. The number two overall pick in 2017 has had a turbulent NHL career. Injuries have derailed his once promising potential. Having only played 222 games in six seasons and not playing a game at all since March of 2022 has soured many on Patrick. If he believes he is healthy enough to play a full season it would be an interesting bet for the Leafs. Patrick played in a depth role for the Vegas Golden Knights and showed he could be successful there.

Finally, Tyler Motte the veteran forward has spent the last eight seasons as a part of various NHL organizations. Motte is a Swiss army knife depth forward who can bring energy and defensive responsibility to a lineup. He also shows a good knack for being able to put up points in limited opportunities. This would allow the Leafs to have a player that doesn't need to play every night but is known for being able to come in and produce when given a chance to do so.