When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed the majority of free agents on the first day the market opened, they worked quickly.
The Toronto Maple Leafs swiftly addressed each of their primary requirements before to the 2024–25 NHL season, which included strengthening their goaltending duo position and providing some defensive support.
In doing so, the Maple Leafs appear to be set for the upcoming season with perhaps still a few loose ends that needs to be tied up.
For the time being, with the new faces on the roster, where will they eventually fit into the Leafs lineup? Here, we will take a look at the most notable signings made by the Leafs in free agency thus far and what their potential roles could be on the team.
How Will the Toronto Maple Leafs New Free Agent Signings Fit Into Their Lineup?
Chris Tanev
Known perhaps as one of the best defensive defenseman in the league, the Leafs did well when they reeled in the big fish in Chris Tanev.
He may not hurt the opposing team that much on the scoreboard as he has only tallied a total of 33 goals and 157 assists in 792 career games in the NHL.
But Tanev can certainly do practically everything else to help the team win, whether it be killing penalties, blocking shots, checking and hitting players, and clearing bodies from the front of the net for his goalie.
In terms of his role, the Leafs may have finally found the perfect top-pairing partner for Morgan Rielly after searching hard for almost the past decade.
With Tanev being one of the top defenders in the game, he will likely draw the opposing teams’ top lines with respect to his assignments.
He will also be the key leader on the Leafs top penalty kill unit, along with potentially forming an occasional elite shutdown unit with Jake McCabe to help close out games. But in reality, no matter where he plays, the Maple Leafs can expect superb defense at its best whenever Tanev takes the ice.
