Elliotte Friedman reveals the Maple Leafs are still looking to add another forward to the mix

For much of the 2024 NHL offseason, the discussion around the Toronto Maple Leafs has been around the lack of change to their forwards. They lost Tyler Bertuzzi in free agency but beyond that have not changed much. This has left a lot of fans frustrated with GM Brad Treliving. However, a report from Elliotte Friedman has confirmed there could be changes on the way.

In a new segment on his 32 Thoughts series, Elliotte Friedman spoke about the Toronto Maple Leafs. His sources believe that Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs are looking to add more skill and depth to their left-wing position.

With this news we can now begin to speculate on what an upgrade at this position could look like for the Maple Leafs. Will they explore the trade market or go the way of free agency?

For the purposes of this, we will be looking solely at free agency and the potential bargain players who could be available.

First up is James Van Riemsdyk the former Toronto Maple Leaf. James Van Riemsdyk is a power forward who can get to the front of the net and put up points. He lacks in other areas of the game due to a low defensive work rate and a struggle with speed. Last season he contributed 38 points in 71 games with the Boston Bruins. He could be a player to bring a scoring boost to the bottom six.

Next is Max Pacioretty who is also a veteran NHL winger. He has the prestige of being the captain of the Montreal Canadiens in the past. He also has consistently put up 60-point seasons when healthy and brings a reliable defensive game. If injuries were not a concern he would be by far the top option on the free agent market.

Finally, we have Mike Hoffman who spent last season with the San Jose Sharks. He is an all-offense winger who at his best was a 30-goal scorer. Unfortunately at the age of 34 much of the offensive explosiveness is now gone. He would likely be a pure depth signing on a player tryout to see how much he still has left.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to add an impact forward to their lineup it likely will have to happen through a trade. As the offseason comes to a close it will be interesting to see what the Maple Leafs can put into action.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Elliotte Friedman reveals the Leafs have one more trick up their sleeves and it involves a forward