It has turn out to be a rising pattern to show down the Toronto Maple Leafs in free company. Over the previous couple of seasons, a number of gamers have executed so and this offseason, it occurred with regularity. Whether or not it’s because of a scarcity of playoff success, the stress of taking part in in Toronto, or higher gives elsewhere, the middle of the hockey universe is turning into a metropolis that has to begin promoting gamers on the deserves of being a part of the franchise.
Whereas this summer time may need shined a light-weight on the potential drawback, listed below are a number of names in the previous couple of seasons who’ve shot down Toronto. It’s not simply this season that gamers have opted to go elsewhere and listed below are the the reason why:
Jeff Skinner Passes on Toronto for Edmonton
It was confirmed by Chris Johnston of The Athletic and TSN that the Maple Leafs particularly pitched the thought to Jeff Skinner of taking part in on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Skinner mentioned no and opting to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, joined the Edmonton Oilers as a substitute. Not a foul backup choice if you may get it.
Skinner was coming off of a buyout in Buffalo and whereas he’s not confirmed curiosity from Toronto or detailed why he favored the slot in Edmonton higher, it’s a telling signal that when allowed to play with the very best forwards on the Maple Leafs roster, a 30-goal man determined to not. Was it in regards to the metropolis? Was it the roster? Or, was it a greater alternative in Edmonton to win?
Tyler Bertuzzi Joined the Rebuilding Blackhawks
The Maple Leafs had been open about their curiosity in having Tyler Bertuzzi come again after a single season with the group in 2023-24. He discovered success in Toronto after signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract. He wished a multi-year deal however reportedly wished greater than the Leafs have been prepared to present. Bertuzzi was open to returning to the Leafs however finally joined the Chicago Blackhawks.
Arguments may very well be made that this loss was as a lot a choice by the Leafs because it was by Bertuzzi to maneuver on. He signed a four-year, $22 million deal in Chicago and it’s doubtless Brad Treliving was by no means going to present him that form of cash over that form of time period. Nevertheless, it’s not an unreasonable quantity for a participant who shall be productive in Chicago and the Leafs have been in search of a top-six winger ever since he determined to depart.
What’s most intriguing about this one is that Bertuzzi selected the Blackhawks, who’re doubtless not anyplace near competing for a Stanley Cup.
Brandon Montour Goes to Seattle For 7 Seasons
Defenseman Brandon Montour confirmed this previous week that he had ‘conversations’ with the Maple Leafs earlier than becoming a member of the Seattle Kraken. He was requested about it as he has family and friends within the space. Opting to not go the place these near him would have been excited to see him play, he was excited to go to Seattle and is becoming a member of a group that isn’t essentially a contender and has one other related fashion defenseman in Vince Dunn already on the roster.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Oilers, Pink Wings, Flyers
Montour mentioned he appeared on the Leafs’ roster and believes he might have match, however household concerns and enterprise selections finally pushed Toronto out of the image. The deal he was given in Seattle was a stable one. It’s doubtless Toronto’s wasn’t pretty much as good.
Milan Lucic and Radko Gudas Handed on Toronto
Final offseason, when the Leafs have been attempting so as to add some toughness to their roster, Brad Treliving went after each Milan Lucic and Radko Gudas. Lucic mentioned when showing on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that he couldn’t carry himself to put on a Maple Leafs uniform after all of the years he spent as a Boston Bruin. Gudas elected to go to Anaheim, selecting to not play in Canada the place the stress from the media and followers is so intense.
Finally, the Leafs wished some toughness so badly, they signed Ryan Reaves to a three-year deal, which was universally panned by followers and insiders.
Zach Hyman Is Nonetheless a Mistake The Leafs Remorse
The largest title to shoot down Toronto up to now few seasons and one the group nonetheless doubtless regrets to this present day was Zach Hyman leaving in free company and leaping to Edmonton. He referred to as it the very best resolution he’s ever made and his profession numbers have exploded each season since he made the change.
On July 28, 2021, Hyman signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Oilers. Followers in Toronto jumped everywhere in the Oilers for the deal, calling it one of many greatest overpays in NHL historical past. It has turned out to be among the best free-agency signings in NHL historical past.
Hyman cherished Toronto, however hypothesis is that he didn’t like the way in which he was handled on the way in which out and noticed a possibility to hitch McDavid and a lethal prime six. He’s been a staple on the very best energy play within the NHL and this previous season he scored 54 objectives within the common season and one other 16 objectives in 25 playoff video games.
