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Maple Leafs Free Agent Targets

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Jeremy Ridgewell | Last updated May 12, 2026 8:48 PM ET

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For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 2025-26 season was anything but pleasant. Not only did they miss the playoffs, but they were among the worst teams in the NHL.

Toronto entered the season with high expectations, but those expectations quickly faded. There is no question that they were a disappointment this past season. However, under the new management duo of John Chayka and Mats Sundin, we’ll see if they can turn things around.

Chayka and Sundin should be looking to make several changes to the Maple Leafs roster during the offseason. Toronto still possesses a strong core with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares. They also have younger guys like Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan to build around.

Adding the right pieces this summer could allow the Maple Leafs to bounce back and be a playoff team again in 2026-27. Because of this, let’s look at three pending unrestricted free agents that Toronto should target this offseason if they hit the market.

Maple Leafs Free Agent Targets

Alex Tuch: 30 Yrs Old – 6’4 – 219 Lbs. RW

Toronto failed to sign a true top six winger last offseason to replace Mitch Marner. As a result, it would make a lot of sense for Chayka and the Maple Leafs to target Alex Tuch this offseason. He has to hit the market first, as there’s a real chance of him re-signing with the Buffalo Sabres. While Tuch does play a different style than Marner, he would still be a great asset for Toronto’s top six.

Tuch could be an excellent fit on a line with Matthews. His scoring and playmaking will make an impact. Tuch’s stats this season effectively show this, as he registered 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 79 games with Buffalo. Signing Tuch could give the Maple Leafs a potential top six of Gavin McKenna, Matthews, Tuch, Knies, Tavares, and Nylander.

Darren Raddysh: 30 Yrs Old – 6’1 – 202 Lbs. RHD

Toronto should be in the market for adding an impactful right-shot defenseman this summer. Brandon Carlo has struggled since arriving in Toronto, while Chris Tanev has dealt with serious injury trouble. Darren Raddysh will be a much sought-after defenseman. The Maple Leafs would be wise to pursue him.

Raddysh had a fantastic 2025-26 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He set new career highs with 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points in 73 games. With numbers like these, he would be an outstanding addition to Toronto’s top four and their power play.

Boone Jenner: 32 Yrs Old – 6’2 – 204 Lbs. C/LW

The Maple Leafs traded Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy before the NHL trade deadline. Because of this, they will need to bring in at least one top nine forward during the summer. Preferably someone who can play center. Jenner has a career faceoff winning percentage of 54%. Despite being 33 when the season starts, Jenner stands out as one of the more solid options for Toronto to consider.

Toronto needs proven leaders in their room if they hope to turn things around next season, and Jenner fits that mold. He is the current captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He would provide them with leadership, experience, and a forward who plays multiple positions, kills penalties, and plays a heavy game.

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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