Do the Toronto Maple Leafs have room for Evgeny Kuznetsov?

Coming off a relatively successful offseason despite the loss of Mitch Marner, the Leafs are looking at a very good roster. One thing they are missing is a genuine top-six player to take up the mantle. 

Missing piece hunting? Kuzy might help

One of Toronto’s long-standing criticisms is that it loads up a top line, or two, but still lacks consistent depth scoring and secondary offence come playoff time. That’s exactly the kind of void a veteran like Evgeny Kuznetsov might help fill. With 575 points in 743 career NHL games (173 goals, 402 assists), he has a history of playmaking and offensive intelligence that could open up some of the middle‑six forwards around him.

In the right spot—say, as a third‑line or soft second‑line centre—he might provide the kind of upside that’s worth moderate risk. The Leafs already have stars and high‑end forwards; what they more often need is a guy who can take pressure off, chip in on offence, and help in difficult matchups. Kuzy’s big‑game pedigree (he was a key player in Washington’s 2018 Cup run) is another attractive feature.

What he provides: experience, vision, and flexibility

One major benefit is that Kuznetsov is a known quantity. He has played for many years in the NHL and has experience in playoff environments. That experience can be valuable in high‑pressure situations, both on the ice and in the dressing room.

Second: he’s a playmaker. He may not be a goal scorer necessarily in his later years, but his vision, his pass-creating ability, and quarterbacking rushes are part of his value. If used properly, he would be able to assist in taking wingers or linemates who are more finishers than creators to the next level.

Thirdly is roster flexibility. If Toronto signs him to a shorter, mid-range contract, the commitment is low risk. In seasons where injury hits or chemistry needs to be rebalanced, he gives the coaching staff more options. He can shift between lines, play in special teams if warranted, and act as insurance in centre depth.

There are considerable caveats, however

Kuznetsov’s recent production is inconsistent. In his last NHL season, 2023–24, he tallied 24 points in 63 games, with an –11 rating overall. That kind of drop-off raises questions: Is he declining? Have injuries or motivation been an issue? Can he still handle the speed and physicality of the modern NHL?

There are also non-performance risks. Earlier in his career, Kuznetsov entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and more recently, his contract was mutually terminated with the Hurricanes. That history doesn’t necessarily eliminate him, but it does create some element of doubt in terms of consistency, reliability, and meshing with a disciplined atmosphere.

Age is also a factor. At 31–32, players lose bite, especially those who’ve depended on vision, playmaking, and situation awareness rather than brute force for their success. The Leafs would need to decide which iteration of Kuzy they’re signing: the old, or an adjusted veteran whose role needs to be reduced further.

Finally, there’s the fit. Toronto already has centre depth (Tavares, Matthews, younger options). Committing roster and cap space to Kuznetsov means sacrificing something else—and the coaching staff would need to create a role where he thrives, rather than try to fit him into one he can’t sustain.

Why it might be a good bet (if done right)

If Toronto can structure a deal intelligently—offering a short-term, modest salary, incentives, and performance clauses—they may be able to minimize much of the downside. The upside: secondary scoring, veteran presence, playmaking support for younger line-mates.

In seasons where a push for a deep playoff run is the goal, adding a player such as Kuznetsov could tip close games in the right direction. He is not the difference maker per se, but he might be the difference on a third or fourth line that is otherwise incomplete.

From fan and analyst perspectives, signing him also signals “we’re pushing.” It shows Toronto is aiming to fortify, not just tread water. Having a former star and veteran centre in the mix can be morale-boosting and disruptive (in a good way) to opponents, especially in tighter games.

Wrap‑up: a calculated gamble worth exploring

Signing Evgeny Kuznetsov is not a slam dunk. There are real risks: age, recent regression, personal baggage, and roster fit. But for a franchise that habitually finds itself falling short in the “next six forwards” category in playoff series, he is a calculated risk that could pay off.

If the Leafs front office and coaching staff manage expectations, define his role correctly, and are willing to hold him accountable, Kuzy could be just the kind of side piece that makes a deep run go from ‘hopeful’ to ‘legitimate.’