Toronto could pick up controversial forward Nick Cousins for their 3rd line

There is little doubt that the Toronto Maple Leafs still need to shape up and shake up their roster to have a fighting chance at the Stanley Cup in the near future. However, Tyler Bertuzzi left open a pivotal position upon his departure during free agency, signing a four-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Despite all the movement on the team outside their Core 4, this third-line center position remains open. Yet, one particularly controversial UFA forward has yet to be signed, opening his opportunity in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup. This is the recent Florida Panthers Stanley Cup winner and most-punchable face in the NHL, Nick Cousins.

Nick Cousins has proven a less productive forward point-wise compared to Tyler Bertuzzi. However, his rough playstyle can prove advantageous to Toronto's general lack of defensive strength. Additionally, he would be joined by numerous teammates who he just won the Stanley Cup, including Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz.

Nick Cousins's last cap hit was just over $1 million, with a two-year term. Toronto has just more than that currently available but with part of their roster still unaccounted for. Should the team be unable to release enough cap space, Nick Cousins could be out of the question entirely. However, remaining unsigned this far into the summer, he could be looking to take anything he can get.

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Maple Leafs could target league's most hated center to fill 3rd line C position