Maple Leafs Made Mistake by Letting this Forward Go

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a mistake by letting this overlooked forward go last summer, acquiring other underwhelming pieces instead.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs made a mistake by letting this overlooked forward go last summer, acquiring other underwhelming pieces instead.

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered last season looking to reinvent themselves following Mitch Marner’s departure. GM Brad Treliving did his best to offset Marner’s absence by adding several forwards.

While those moves have worked out relatively well, there was one overlooked move that has evidently proven to be a major mistake.

The Maple Leafs failed to extend a qualifying offer to then-RFA Pontus Holmberg. That situation made the 26-year-old a UFA straight away. Holmberg then parlayed his new unrestricted status into a two-year deal worth $3.1 million with the Tampa Bay Lightning, no less.

With the benefit of hindsight, Holmberg is one forward the Maple Leafs would like to have now. Holmberg hasn’t been spectacular for the Lightning. But he’s been steady and reliable. He’s also chipped in offensively. That situation prompted Harman Dayal of The Athletic to write:

“Holmberg’s line forechecks hard, holds onto pucks and wins battles along the boards, and is extremely dependable at both ends of the rink. Tampa Bay has owned 57 percent of expected goals and surrendered just 1.55 goals against per 60 (the second-best rate among the team’s forwards) with Holmberg on the ice at five-on-five. Holmberg has also chipped in with 12 five-on-five points in 34 games, which is the sixth-best mark among Lightning forwards.”

Yes, Holmberg is a bottom-six forward. But his play has earned the trust of a notoriously tough coach like Jon Cooper. Moreover, Holmberg’s solid checking earned him a nod to Team Sweden’s Olympic roster. There is no doubt that Holmberg will continue his shutdown role in Milano-Cortina.


Maple Leafs Could Really Use Holmberg Now

The Maple Leafs are going through a rough patch due to injuries. One of the most notable absences is that of Dakota Joshua. Joshua, unfortunately, suffered a kidney injury that could sideline him for some time.

That’s where Holmberg could have plugged a major hole. While Holmberg isn’t quite as physical as Joshua, Holmberg’s presence could have provided solid, reliable depth in the bottom six. Moreover, the former Maple Leafs’ sixth-round pick has actually scored more, for half of Joshua’s cap hit.

Sadly for Treliving, there are no backsies. He can’t change his mind and get Holmberg back. Doing so would cost him an arm and a leg. It’s an unfortunate mistake and a lapse in judgment that caused the Maple Leafs to lose one of their most serviceable players.


Toronto Continues History of Passing on Forwards Too Soon

The Maple Leafs have notoriously passed on young forwards a little too soon. Zach Hyman is one example that comes to mind. The same goes for Michael Bunting, Nazem Kadri, and even Joshua himself.

The Leafs drafted Joshua in 2014, eventually sending him to the St. Louis Blues for nothing in 2019. While reacquiring him only cost a fourth-round pick, the situation speaks to Toronto’s penchant for passing on young forwards a little too soon.

This time around, the Maple Leafs have exercised more caution. Perhaps the club has learned its lesson. That could be the reason why Treliving has been a little more cautious about moving someone like Nick Robertson.

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Maple Leafs Made Mistake by Letting this Forward Go

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