The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t extend Pontus Holmberg a qualifying offer, making him a free agent.
Holmberg is 26 and Toronto held his RFA rights, but opted not to extend him a qualifying offer, making him a free agent. In free agency, Holmberg signed a two-year deal worth $1.55 million per season with Maple Leafs’ division rival Tampa Bay Lightning.
The news surprised some Maple Leafs fans, and after free agency on July 1, Brad Treliving opened up on the decision not to qualify Holmberg.
“It wasn’t necessarily a situation where we didn’t like the player,” Treliving said on July 1. “We did. He had arb rights. When you see players go free, sometimes, people don’t understand the rights that are associated with certain players. Up until 5 o’clock yesterday, if we were to qualify him, he then kicks into arbitration mode or is attached to an arbitration filing. That elevates the number.
“We weren’t able to, between us and Pontus’ side, we weren’t able to find a number that we felt fit for us,” Treliving added. “Now, once you get into UFA, a lot of times that number will come down because you are not attached to the arbitration. So, we like Pontus. We’ve had discussions and talked to each other prior to us not qualifying him.”
Holmberg recorded 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 68 games. He was drafted in the sixth round in the 2018 NHL Draft and has recorded 19 goals and 40 assists for 59 points in 159 career games.
Maple Leafs GM Reveals Needs
Toronto did see Mitch Marner leave in a sign-and-trade to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Maple Leafs did get Nic Roy back in the trade and also traded for Mattias Maccelli to bolster their offense. However, Treliving says the team’s need is to add a top-six forward to replace Marner.
“Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole,” Treliving said. “That’s really where our focus is.”
Replacing Marner will not be easy, but Treliving and the Maple Leafs were glad to acquire Roy in the sign-and-trade.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” Treliving added. “But we were able to recoup a player who I think can really help us. And in a situation where a player was walking away this morning for nothing, we were able to recoup a player that fits a need for us.”
Toronto was eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Maple Leafs Have Quiet Offseason
Toronto had a relatively quiet July 1 as its most notable signing was Michael Pezzetta.
Pezzetta signed a two-year deal with the Maple Leafs after playing for the Montreal Canadiens. He recorded 0 points in 25 games, but he is physical, which Treliving is excited about.
“Gives us some more depth, and he’s got a skill set in terms of his physicality. Good feet. Speed. Able to get it in on a forecheck. Excellent teammate,” Treliving said. “Those are the boxes he checks. Happy to have him.”
The Maple Leafs also signed depth players Vinni Lettieri, Bo Groulx, Travis Boyd, and Dakota Mermis.
Maple Leafs GM Explains Decision to Let Forward Sign With Division Rival