Maple Leafs Linked to Gritty Free Agent Per Several Reports

The Toronto Maple Leafs were linked to a gritty free agent by several reports.

With a crucial offseason ahead, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving is expected to make significant changes to his team this summer. After another tough playoff exit, many needs must be addressed in Toronto.

One of those changes involves the bottom six. In fact, Treliving must absolutely do something to bolster it.

According to a new report, the Leafs should consider going after Brandon Tanev, reuniting the Tanev brothers in Toronto.

The 33-year-old forward is set to become a free agent after spending the 2024-25 season in Seattle and Winnipeg. Renowned for his tenacious forecheck and physicality, Tanev tallied 10 goals and 22 points over 79 games, with 168 hits. He embodies the gritty identity new head coach Craig Berube wants to instill, making him a perfect fit for Toronto's retooled forward depth.

The Leafs have approximately $25.7 million in cap space, though much of that will go toward extending Matthew Knies and addressing top-six changes following Marner's departure.

Still, Tanev's expected $2.5 million AAV fits within their financial plans. Not only would he bolster the bottom six, but Tanev's shot-blocking and penalty-killing skills (105 blocks, over two minutes shorthanded per game) would help offset Marner's absence defensively.

Ideally, Treliving will also find a way to move David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok, whose underwhelming seasons and combined $4.5 million cap hit weigh down the Leafs' flexibility. Offloading one or both could accelerate the transformation of the bottom six.

A Brandon Tanev signing wouldn't just be symbolic-it's a smart, identity-shifting move for a team desperate for grit and consistency in its depth.