Free Agent Targets for Toronto’s Bottom Six

The free agent period will be a key moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs new GM, John Chayka. After a disappointing 2025-26 season, the Maple Leafs need to make changes to their roster. Finding a stud defenseman or a top-six forward will be difficult and expensive. Fixing the bottom six should be much easier.

Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton were traded away at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Reports indicate that, pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), Calle Jarnkrok will not be returning. Max Domi is expected to start the season on LTIR due to complications after back surgery. Nick Robertson, Matias Maccelli, and Jacob Quillan will be looking for new contracts as restricted free agents (RFAs). Will Chayka re-sign all three or go in a different direction?

The Maple Leafs bottom six will look significantly different from what it did when the 2025-26 season ended. I expect Chayka to be an active shopper in the free agent market once it opens on July 1st. Here’s a look at three players the new GM in Toronto could target.

Free Agent Targets for Toronto’s Bottom Six

Mason Marchment – 31

Mason Marchment is a free agent looking for stability. Last June, the Dallas Stars traded him to the Seattle Kraken for a 3rd and 4th round pick. Things didn’t work out with the Kraken. With just four goals in 29 games, they flipped him to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2nd and 4th round pick. That was a much better fit for Marchment (15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points in 39 games).

The 6-foot-5 left-winger plays with an edge (84 hits last season) and is good for at least 20 goals a season. He could bring secondary scoring to Toronto’s bottom six, while also supplying some physical play.

A.J. Greer – 29

A.J. Greer quietly set new career highs in goals (17), points (32), and average ice time (12:26) last season. Playing with Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe more than on the fourth line will do that. Greer was counted on during the Panthers’ injury-filled season. It helped the pending unrestricted free agent prove that he can play with offensive talents while also continuously hitting (203 hits) opponents without remorse.

The 6’3, 209 Lb. Greer could be the perfect fit for the Maple Leafs bottom six. Toronto needs to be harder to play against. Greer’s physical play makes other teams take notice when he’s on the ice.

Beck Malenstyn – 28

Beck Malenstyn is relatively unknown to most fans. However, watching him play for the Buffalo Sabres during the playoffs was eye-opening. His style of play is best suited for the playoffs, and Toronto needs players like that. Malenstyn’s defensive awareness and big hits are crucial ingredients for a successful postseason team.

The pending unrestricted free agent also had a career-high seven goals this season. Don’t rely on him to give you more than 15-20 points from the fourth line. It is his hits (282 last season) and blocked shots (75) that give him value.