5 recent former Toronto Maple Leafs who are still free agents
Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs is one of those things that few people will ever get to experience.
Despite the difficulties that can come with playing in the market, just about every player that comes through town has some positive things to say about playing for the Leafs.
But sometimes, just a few years or even a few months later, it might all be over before you realize.
Perhaps nobody lived this reality better than former Leaf Tyson Barrie, who joked that his retirement was made in consultation with all 32 NHL teams after failing to land a contract in the first few months of free agency.
And Barrie isn’t the only player who has found himself wondering if there’s a spot in the NHL still for him.
Five notable recent ex-Leafs are still without a contract for this upcoming season, with their playing future up in the air.
Let’s take a look at who’s still on the market:
Ilya Samsonov
Leafs tenure: 2022-24
The Leafs’ starting goalie for two separate playoff runs in 2022 and 2023, Ilya Samsonov is still discovering where exactly he fits in the NHL ecosystem at age 28. Though he’s capable of being a top goalie on his day, two straight seasons below .900 save percentage haven’t exactly led to a rush of suitors for his services.
Noah Gregor
Leafs tenure: 2023-24
After playing one season for the Leafs in 2023-24 as a bottom-six forward, Noah Gregor opted to join one of the team’s biggest rivals in the Ottawa Senators on a one-year deal last year.
But Gregor soon ended up back in the NHL franchise that originally drafted him, with a midseason trade sending him to San Jose, where he spent the first five seasons of his NHL career.
TJ Brodie
Leafs tenure: 2020-24
Once heralded as a true top-tier defender in his heyday, TJ Brodie spent four seasons with the Leafs from 2020-24 before his contract was bought out. He signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks last season and skated in 54 games, but the future remains uncertain for the 35-year-old blueliner.
Max Pacioretty
Leafs tenure: 2024-25
At age 36, retirement could very well be on the cards for Max Pacioretty, who cracked Toronto’s roster for 37 games last season after a training camp tryout. He seemed to have found new legs for Toronto in the playoffs, putting up three goals and five assists in 11 contests.
Jani Hakanpaa
Leafs tenure: 2024-25
How do you tell if someone was really paying attention to the Leafs last season? If they have in-depth opinions about Jani Hakanpaa. Dealing with season-long knee issues, Hakanpaa only suited up for two games in Toronto and never quite got to 100 per cent health.
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