It’s that time of the summer in which NHL teams are looking at the current crop of NHL free agents. And the Toronto Maple Leafs are no exception.
These aren’t bottom-of-the-barrel UFAs. These are players that, for one reason or another, haven’t really found a good fit yet.
The Leafs have one no-brainer candidate in Evander Kane. The former Vancouver Canucks forward had another bit of a down year. That situation led to his hometown passing on re-signing him, especially since the Canucks are officially a rebuilding club.
That said, there’s no reason why a team like the Maple Leafs couldn’t take a shot at Kane by bringing him in on a Professional Try Out contract (PTO).
The thing about PTOs is that they are not guaranteed deals. If the team doesn’t feel the player is a fit, the team can just terminate the contract and let that be that. For some UFAs, that’s actually a good thing. They can have a strong camp, and even if one team cuts them, they could catch on with another.
That’s what Kane could hope for with the Maple Leafs. If he has a strong camp, Toronto can find a way to sign him and bring him aboard. Even if he has a strong camp, but there’s no real fit for him, Kane could find a home elsewhere this season.
Why Kane Makes Sense for Maple Leafs
The big question here is how Kane fits into the Maple Leafs’ lineup. When looking at it more closely, the last thing Toronto needs is another 30-ish forward. Ideally, the Leafs should be targeting a younger piece.
But that’s just the thing. Kane isn’t a long-term addition. He’s one of those complementary pieces that aims to bolster the overall lineup.
As such, adding Kane means bringing in a former 30-goal scorer with a mean streak. In a good situation, Kane can add some punch without breaking the bank. And if the Maple Leafs can sign him to a team-friendly deal, the move could pay off handsomely.
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What Deal Could Kane Land with Toronto?
On the whole, the Leafs could sign Kane to a 35+ deal. That means he could get a one-year deal at league minimum with incentives attached to it. So, the veteran winger could earn something like $4 million or $5 million on a one-year contract, if he hits all of the incentives.
That wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if he can contribute offensively. While it’s unlikely that Kane hits the 30-goal mark again, something around 15 goals or so would be a fantastic addition to the club.
All told, the likelihood is that Kane is holding out for one more multi-year deal. That’s unlikely to happen given his noticeable decline. Unless there’s a team out there willing to give him a two or three-year deal, and Kane is willing to take a lower salary, it might work.
That’s not really the best path for the Maple Leafs. But if Kane is willing to take a one-year show-me deal, it might just give him a chance to resurrect his career.
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