The Toronto Maple Leafs offseason started off with a bang. That, of course, was from when they landed the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. As awesome as it is that the Leafs are picking first overall, there are still some major issues with the current roster. Unfortunately, this year’s free agent class is pretty weak. However, there are plenty of solid, underrated players they should be going after in free agency. Let’s take a look at some potential good options for them.
Mario Ferraro, Defenceman
The most likely name on this list to sign with the Maple Leafs, in my opinion, is defenceman Mario Ferraro. The veteran defenceman will become a UFA in July as his four-year deal with the San Jose Sharks comes to an end. Ferraro is known for his rough and tough style of play, which involves doing whatever it takes to win. He can hit, block shots, fight, score, you name it, he can do it.
The Sharks selected Ferraro in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Ever since he made it to the NHL, he has been a Shark. I do think the Sharks move on from him as they break out of their rebuild. With that, I think the Leafs should swing in and take a shot at him. Ferraro could replace players like Troy Stecher or Brandon Carlo and probably has more upside. I do not think he would be overly expensive, which is only another reason to target him.
Ferraro is right in the midst of his prime, which is the perfect time to sign him. I think a three-year deal would be fair for both sides. I do believe the Leafs should part ways with multiple defencemen in the offseason. If Carlo or Ekman-Larsson are moved, I think Ferraro is a great replacement, especially if Tanev remains injured. Ferraro has a similar type of game as Tanev, but I think he brings more of a spark offensively. The defenceman is also from Toronto, so it would be a homecoming for him.
Anthony Mantha, Winger
A veteran forward that I could see the Leafs targeting is Anthony Mantha. He is coming off a fantastic season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored 33 goals and 64 points. This was a career high in both goals and points for the forward, who will be looking to join another playoff team. I think the Leafs could use him on their wing, as they currently lack some scoring wingers.
Mantha was a first-round pick way back in 2013. He had some good years with the Detroit Red Wings, but was never really a difference maker until this past season. It is very hard to predict whether the Penguins will bring him back or not, but if they don’t, I think the Leafs should pursue him. He only made $2.5M last season, but he will likely want more than that now.
The problem with Mantha is that he might be looking for a longer-term deal. He has bounced around between multiple teams in the past few seasons and probably wants more stability. I think the Leafs could offer him a three-year deal at max. I would not want to sign him any longer than that, as he only had one great season. Mantha would be a perfect middle-six forward to provide secondary scoring and assist on the power play.
Jack Roslovic, Forward
Another forward whom I could see the Leafs targeting is Jack Roslovic. The forward is coming off an extremely inconsistent season with the Oilers, but I could see him being an expendable middle-six forward on the Leafs. He could play centre or on the wing, wherever the team needs him the most.
Roslovic was a first-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets back in 2015. After a handful of development seasons in Winnipeg, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Patrik Laine deal in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois. Columbus was where Roslovic had his best two seasons, scoring 45 points in 2021–22 and 44 in 2022–2023.
Roslovic was on a very affordable contract this season at $1.5M. This will likely not be the price point once he hits free agency. If the Leafs could bring in Roslovic on a multiple-year deal at $2–3M, I say it would be worth it. He fills out the middle-six a bit better, which is currently relying on Maccelli, Robertson, and Lorentz.
Brett Kulak, Defenceman
Lastly, another defenceman that I could see the Leafs pursuing is Brett Kulak. I think this would be a backup plan if they cannot land Ferraro, but he would potentially be a cheaper option. Kulak is in the final season of a four-year deal that he originally signed with the Oilers. He was traded to the Penguins, then to the Avalanche, and is now in the midst of an awesome playoff run. Kulak scored the series-winning overtime goal to help the Avalanche defeat the Wild in the second round.
Kulak was a fourth-round pick back in 2012 and didn’t really become a full-time NHLer until his years in Montreal. From there, he broke out with the Oilers and was a solid piece to their back-to-back runs to the Stanley Cup Final. He got consistent bottom-four minutes and played on the penalty kill. His current cap hit is $2.75M, but I could see that going up a bit in free agency.
For the Leafs to bring in Kulak, I would like it to be as a second option. I do not think he should be a main priority of the offseason. If the Leafs are unable to bring in a guy like Ferraro, I think a 2–3 year deal for Kulak would be alright. That is assuming some major moves are made from the Leafs blueline later on.
Do you think the Leafs should target any of these underrated free agents?
This article would seem to be saying Mario Ferraro can do it all! He is better than any Leaf defenseman and can replace Tanev, Carlo, OEL or Stecher. The Gretzky of defense but not “overly expensive either”. He’s so good, he isn’t going to have a pairing, just him. On power plays, he’ll only use one hand to make it fair for the other team.
Roslovic is an “expendable middle-six forward”. Expendable?!! So, he can go fill the water bottles during the game?! Lorentz is a 4th liner, not middle 6.