Insider leaks list of 3 free agents Maple Leafs will pursue

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Josh Tupper
May 26, 2024 (1:28 PM)

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After yet another poor season for the team, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will be busy this summer trying to bolster his lineup for 2024-25.

The Maple Leafs and every other team in the National Hockey League that isn't currently in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are evaluating possible unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who could be useful to them for the 2024-25 season and beyond, as free agency is less than 40 days away.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in Los Angeles Kings forward Viktor Arvidsson as well as two Vancouver Canucks, winger Dakota Joshua and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

The native of Skelleftea, Sweden, Arvidsson was only able to play in 18 games during the regular season after suffering a back injury in March that forced him to be activated off long-term injured reserve. The 31-year-old scored 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in those 18 games and added three more points in five Stanley Cup Playoffs games.

In 2023-24, Joshua (28), had a career year for the Vancouver Canucks, setting new records in points, goals, assists, and plus/minus. The Dearborn, Michigan native finished with 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists), 60 penalty minutes, and a plus-19 rating in 63 games. Joshua brings height, grit, and scoring potential to the Maple Leafs' third line, where he might be a fantastic addition.

After being traded to the Canucks in November, Zadorov played well in Vancouver. The Leafs will be among the clubs interested in signing Zadorov if he becomes available on July 1st; the Canucks are seeking to re-sign both him and Dakota Joshua. The Maple Leafs were considering acquiring the 29-year-old, who would have been reunited with former general manager Brad Treliving, prior to his trade to Vancouver. Zadorov scored eight points in 13 Playoff games and finished with 14 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 54 games.

With free agency starting in a little more than a month, many are interested in knowing if the three players Pagnotta listed will add something new to the Leafs.