3 Maple Leafs’ Free Agent Targets to Improve the Bottom Six 

Now that the 2025 NHL Draft is in the rearview mirror and there is only a short period of time before free agency opens, NHL teams are preparing to spend millions of dollars on players they want to add to improve their rosters. As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they have a very interesting offseason ahead. They look to be trying to trade Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade, which could bring back some talent. However, they still need to add to their roster to change the mix of this team.

One of the areas of need is to improve the bottom six—not because they weren’t good, but because general manager Brad Treliving said publicly that he wants to change the DNA of the roster. In order to do that, they need to target players that fit that mold. They need to add grit to the lineup, but also players who can produce a bit of offense. More importantly, they need to make the Maple Leafs harder to play against. So, let’s look at three choices for them this summer.

Anthony Beauvillier

First up, Anthony Beauvillier. He is kind of like an Andrew Mangiapane lite. He can score 20–30 points per season and record 100+ hits. He has been passed around by several NHL teams since his time with the New York Islanders in 2022–23. He has played for the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and most recently, the Washington Capitals. Over his career, he has 131 goals and 140 assists for 271 total points. His career high came back in 2022–23 when he scored 40 points in 82 games. He is the type of player that tries his best to play in as many games as he can. He plays a hard game, but also has a bit of offensive upside.

If the Maple Leafs do find a way to bring in Beauvillier, he could find some success on a third line alongside Max Domi and Bobby McMann. They would play a gritty, hard game with a good forecheck, which could lead to a decent amount of points scored for Beauvillier. According to CapWages.com, his projected deal is in the $3.2 million range over three years. If he signs that, the Maple Leafs would be using him on a third line to maximize his value.

Tanner Jeannot

Next up, Tanner Jeannot. The rugged, tough forward from Saskatchewan is someone the Maple Leafs have become more familiar with over the years. When he first broke into the NHL with the Nashville Predators, he seemed to be everyone’s favourite power forward. Unfortunately, after he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the infamous deal that saw them almost trade an entire draft class for him, he started to struggle. In his five-year NHL career, he has scored 49 goals and 44 assists for 93 points. His career high came back in 2021–22 with the Predators where he scored 41 points in 81 games and also had 318 hits. If he can find his form with the Maple Leafs, he could score 35 points per season, throw 250+ hits, and potentially even drop his gloves 10+ times.