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Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 players who are likely to leave in the offseason

By Dustin Gardner

May 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) reacts as Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) celebrate the win at the end of the third period of game seven of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) reacts as Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) celebrate the win at the end of the third period of game seven of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colin Blackwell ( Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty images)
Colin Blackwell ( Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 players who are likely to leave in the offseason.

The Maple Leafs’ season has ended in a tragic game seven loss once again. Here are three players who probably won’t be back.

The Maple leafs have a great foundation with a collection of young superstars and experienced veterans. Toronto will likely look to bolster their defensive pairings and improve their goaltending before next season. This will inevitably include some key departures including a top 6 forward and a starting defensemen.

Colin Blackwell

Colin Blackwell came to the Maple Leafs in March on a massive deal that included Mark Giordano. The trade was supposed to solidify the team’s defense and add depth at center with the Blackwell addition. Unfortunately the trade didn’t result in a playoff series win and both players now have expiring contracts.

Blackwell’s impact on Toronto has been lackluster after a decent start to the season with the Kraken. The former seventh-round pick started his career with the Sharks. He finally made his NHL debut during the 2018-2019 season with the Nashville Predators. Since then, Blackwell has played for three different teams and seems to be a valuable addition to an NHL team.

The Maple Leafs utilized Blackwell as their center on the fourth line for the end of the season and the playoffs. Yet, the trade acquisition was on the ice for less than ten minutes in each of the last six games. The Leaf’s center did have a goal and an assist in the seven-game series but his minimal impact probably won’t be enough to merit a return to Toronto next season.

Blackwell is already 29 years old with minimal NHL experience. He is the lowest-paid forward on the active roster but should be looking to make some money this summer with a franchise that can give him more ice time.

Blackwell’s future looks to be bright but it is unlikely that it will continue in Toronto.

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