5 moves the Maple Leafs can make to get back to the playoffs

By Simon Vacca | May 26, 2018

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 27: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been altered at the request of the Toronto Maple Leafs.): The 2017-2018 Toronto Maple Leafs pose for their official NHL Team Photo at the Air Canada Centre on April 27, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 30: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks and Patrick Marleau #12 of the Toronto Maple Leafs faceoff at SAP Center on October 30, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Add center depth

At the outset of the 2017-18 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Buds had some of the best center depth in the NHL. Matthews, Bozak, Nazem Kadri, Tomas Plekanec and Dominic Moore were all options for head coach Mike Babcock to utilize on any given night.

Heading into the 2018-19 season, the Buds have some issues to iron out down the middle. The way in which the need for more centers is addressed will perhaps be the first major test for a Dubas-led franchise, as Bozak, Plekanec and Moore approach unrestricted free agency.

One option is to resign Bozak. The 32-year-old veteran has provided the Maple Leafs with solid offense throughout his career and continues to serve as a consistent faceoff machine. Although he got off to a shaky start at the beginning of the previous season, there’s little doubt that offering a reasonable deal to the forward — a notable fan favorite — would be a safe course of action for the Maple Leafs’ administration, as the team will need to run four steady lines if they’re serious about contending for Lord Stanley’s trophy.

Another option is to offer a contract to a separate center that is on the market. Paul Stastny could potentially fit the Buds’ bill — especially if the organization does away with the likes of Bozak, van Riemsdyk and Komarov. Joe Thornton would also be an interesting addition, except for the fact that he has recently expressed an interest to stay with the San Jose Sharks for another season. And it’s important to note that the Maple Leafs have signed Swedish center Par Lindholm to a one year entry-level contract. He is expected to make a case for overseeing the fourth line.

When all is said and done, though, an overarching question remains. Do the Maple Leafs opt to test the top of the free agent class?

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