NHL insider Frank Seravalli wasn’t a fan of what the Toronto Maple Leafs did this offseason.
The Maple Leafs lost Mitch Marner and never added a true difference-maker, and instead, added more depth players. Although Toronto still could make a move, Seravalli called the Maple Leafs’ offseason ‘disappointing’ as they will likely take a step back this season.
“Are the Toronto Maple Leafs right now better or are they worse than last season? I’m not really sure where I come out on that yet,” Seravalli said on Bleacher Report. “I’d say, probably on the surface, you’d have to think the Toronto Maple Leafs are worse, having lost that 100-point player in Mitch Marner. But, I also don’t know what that means come the playoffs, and let me throw in this other caveat: I’d imagine that the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t done…
“In some ways, I think for Brad Treliving, it’s been a disappointing summer because he wants to be so active and aggressive. But yet hasn’t gotten anything done,” Servalli added.
As Seravalli says, the Maple Leafs didn’t make any splashy moves, despite Toronto checking in on plenty of players. However, as he says, the Maple Leafs may not be done making moves, as Toronto could explore the trade market.
But, for now, Seravalli believes it’s been a disappointing offseason for the Maple Leafs, and general manager Brad Treliving would admit that.
Maple Leafs Continue to be Linked to Jack Roslovic
One move Toronto could make is signing free agent forward Jack Roslovic.
The Maple Leafs have been linked to Roslovic all offseason, and Seravalli calls them the front-runners to sign him.
Meanwhile, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has also linked Roslovic to Toronto, as he could play on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
“It makes sense to me because he has a history with Auston Matthews,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. “They played together at the US National Development Team, so I could see this connection. Roslovic is also a right-hand shot. You know he is a veteran. He’s been around a long time. Matthews obviously knows him. I’m curious to see if that happens.”
However, Toronto must first move out some players and salary like Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and/or Nick Robertson before signing Roslovic.
Roslovic recorded 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points in 81 games.
Maple Leafs GM Admits Losing Marner is Tough
The big blow to Toronto this offseason was Marner leaving for the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade.
The Maple Leafs were able to get Nic Roy back in the deal, so they didn’t lose Marner for nothing. But Treliving admits losing Marner is tough and a big blow to the lineup.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” Treliving said on July 1. “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 added Roy, Mattias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua as their big moves this offseason.
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