Stanley Cup champion linked to Maple Leafs after contract termination

A new report links the Toronto Maple Leafs to a cheap veteran forward available to sign who won't cost the team any departing players.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked heavily to multiple options to fill holes at forward via a trade. Popular names have emerged over the last few weeks that could be options for the Leafs, including Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, most popularly.

A recent name that has also been rumored to be a potential fit for the team is Sean Kuraly, a center for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 32-year-old player is a possible middle-six depth option for Toronto.

Having not yet secured a trade, it's unknown if Toronto will have the pieces to lure a big name like Nelson or Gourde.

A new report suggests a possible new name, and the Leafs won't need to make a trade for it.

Report: Leafs in mix for top free agent signing available for cheap

The Toronto Maple Leafs are being linked to forward Brandon Saad, whose contract was mutually terminated by the St. Louis Blues. According to David Pagnotta of "The Fourth Period," Saad is a potential fit for Toronto.

"He's going to look to see obviously what options are available for him once he officially becomes a free agent after that contract is terminated.

For a team that has some depth and is looking to add more to it, he could be a fit.

So whether it's a team that's looking for some extra punch, like the Toronto Maple Leafs, that are going to look at a player and say he could be on a third line role on one of the wings, that could be an option for them at basically a $1M prorated contract is what it will come down to."