This offseason, a number of former Maple Leafs signed contracts with new NHL clubs. Some players were rewarded with big paydays, while others signed short-term deals. From more recent departures like Bobby McMann and Matias Maccelli to Leafs from past teams such as Alex Kerfoot and Frederik Andersen, plenty of familiar faces found new homes around the league.
Mason Marchment – SJS at $6.75Mx5
The Leafs have received a lot of criticism for letting go of Marchment early, as he eventually broke out with the Florida Panthers. The reality is that the Leafs acquired him as an undrafted free agent, and his breakout was largely unpredictable. Regardless, Marchment has carved out a role as a dependable middle-six forward. After a slow start in Seattle, he found his stride following a trade to Columbus, scoring 15 goals and 32 points in 39 games. It would have been nice to see Marchment return to the Leafs, but at this price tag, it was understandable that the Leafs didn’t sign him.
Bobby McMann – SEA at $5.75Mx6
McMann was a fan favourite on the Leafs for years, and his departure was a disappointing but inevitable result of the Leafs’ disastrous season. McMann signed with the Marlies out of the ECHL as an undrafted 24-year-old. He then relentlessly worked to establish himself in the NHL and eventually broke out with the Leafs. They extended him for $1.35Mx2 and he was a 20-goal scorer in both seasons. Unfortunately, he priced himself out of Toronto, but the Leafs still maximized his value. They got his best years on a team-friendly contract, developed him into an NHL regular, and turned his departure into a second- and fourth-round pick instead of losing him for nothing in free agency.
Ilya Mikheyev – TBL at $3.85Mx4
Mikheyev was a key contributor on the 2021–2023 Leafs teams, becoming a reliable middle-six forward thanks to his speed and defensive play. While he never fully unlocked his offensive potential outside of his breakout season with Toronto, he remained a valuable player and looked solid on a struggling Chicago team. Tampa Bay is betting on that same speed and two-way ability, adding a winger who could consistently push for 20 goals on a very reasonable contract.
Alex Kerfoot – NSH at $3.5Mx2
It feels like Kerfoot has been making $3.5 million per season for the past two decades. After his $3.5Mx4 contract with the Leafs expired, he signed a $3.5Mx3 contract with the Utah Mammoth, and he is now signing a $3.5Mx2 contract with the Predators. $3.5 million is a good number for the value he provides, as he is still a reliable bottom-six centre when healthy. Kerfoot will forever be a legend in Toronto for his Game 4 overtime winner against Tampa in 2023.
Scott Laughton – LAK at $3.5Mx3
Scott Laughton was another fan favourite who was traded at the deadline and then re-upped with his new team during free agency. Although he was incredibly likeable, Laughton wasn’t actually that good at hockey, and $3.5 million is a bit too high for a fourth-line centre. While the original trade for Laughton was terrible, the Leafs at least avoided losing Grebenkin and a first-round pick for nothing. Recouping a second-round pick helped soften the blow, and Laughton fits much better with the Kings.
Matias Maccelli – NYI at $2.25Mx1
The Leafs’ decision not to tender Maccelli his $4.1 million qualifying offer initially looked like a major mistake, but with hindsight, the move makes much more sense. He clearly does not have much value around the league because he signed for nearly half of his qualifying offer with the Islanders. Players like Maccelli are often undervalued because their offensive impact can outweigh their defensive shortcomings. He looked solid with the Leafs this year, and I believe that he could have continued developing into a real top-six consistent 60-point guy for Toronto. Hopefully this doesn’t come back to bite them.
Luke Schenn – VAN at $2.25Mx1
Luke Schenn was another fan favourite during his time with the Leafs. Although he never lived up to the expectations that came with being the fifth overall pick in 2008, Schenn carved out a long NHL career as a reliable physical defenceman, suiting up for 10 (!!) different teams over 18 years. Schenn getting above $2 million at the age of 36 shows just how much NHL GMs value physical defencemen.
Frederik Andersen – EDM at $1Mx1
Frederik Andersen entered free agency as a Stanley Cup champion after helping the Carolina Hurricanes capture their first championship. He was lights out until the finals, where he faced personal issues that limited his availability. Pyotr Kochetkov stepped in and finished the job, but Andersen was still a huge part of the Canes’ Cup run. After years of disappointment for Freddy, seeing him finally lift the Stanley Cup was very satisfying. Now, he is aiming to become the solution to the Oilers’ never-ending goalie issue. At $1Mx1, the contract has no risk, and the Oilers have a chance of getting a legitimate starting goaltender at a bargain price. The signing makes sense for both sides, although it is amusing to see the Oilers add yet another former Maple Leaf.
Other Former Leafs Who Signed This Offseason
Noel Acciari – PHI – $2.8 million for 2 years
Kasperi Kapanen – EDM – $2.6 million for 1 year
Curtis Douglas – SEA – $1.25 million for 2 years
Carl Grundstrom – PHI – $1 million for 1 year
Sammy Blais – OTT – $925k for 1 year
Nick Foligno – MIN – $900k for 1 year
Zach Aston-Reese – PHI – $875k for 2 years
Sam Lafferty – FLA – $850k for 1 year
Noah Gregor – WPG – $850k for 1 year
Zach Bogosian – MIN – $1.25 million for 1 year
Erik Gustafsson – LAK – $1 million for 1 year
Justin Holl – WSH – $900k for 1 year
Henry Thrun – WPG – $850k for 1 year
Calvin Pickard – MIN – $1 million for 1 year
David Rittich – NJD – $1 million for 1 year
Ultimately, seeing former Leafs succeed elsewhere is nothing new, but this offseason provided a wide range of outcomes. While it was nice to see some players getting a big payday, it is still difficult to see some of these guys leave after everything they contributed to Toronto. In the end, the NHL is a business, and Toronto did well in getting some of these players’ best years on team-friendly contracts before they signed bigger contracts elsewhere.
