Maple Leafs writer suggests ideal reclamation project target

Among the players not returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season is scrappy forward Tyler Bertuzzi, who decided to join his 4th Original 6 team and sign with the Chicago Blackhawks; the four-year contract he was given is the longest tenure of his career. 

Last year in his first and only season with the Maple Leafs, he registered 21 goals with 22 assists, a total of 43 points that will need to be made up. And according to one Leafs writer, there is an ideal player still available who can help offset some of the offense lost by Bertuzzi's departure. 

According to Micahel Mazzei of The Leafs Nation, Toronto general manager Brad Treliving should place a call to free agent forward Dominik Kubalik, who is coming off a down year with the struggling Ottawa Senators. His season in Ottawa came after a positive campaign with the Red Wings, scoring 20 goals in 2022-23 before being traded for Alex DeBrincat last summer. 

Kubalik has also reached the 30 goal mark during his career in his rookie campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019-20. Mazzei wrote the following regarding the potential signing of Kubalik: 

"Kubalik had a rough go in Ottawa which has resulted in his value around the league being at an all-time low. But there is still a quality player in there who just needs to be put in a more ideal situation for him to regain his form and get back some confidence. After all, this is the same guy who was a finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2020 and had a five-point game in his playoff debut so the path for redemption is there for the taking.

With an obvious need for additional depth on the left wing, Kubalik could propel himself into a top-six role and secure minutes on the second power-play unit. Assuming he can earn a spot out of camp, he could help fill the void left behind by Tyler Bertuzzi in terms of net-front presence and offence at a much-reduced price. The soon-to-be 29-year-old would certainly be motivated to revitalize his career and a competitive team like the Leafs could be the ideal place for him to seek that second chance."

Leafs fans, should Toronto take a waiver on Kubalik? 

Recommended articles:

• Penguins fans destroy GM Kyle Dubas in latest ranking
• Maple Leafs earn miserable grades from fans
• Ex-Leaf reveals biggest problem with current Maple Leafs
• Another tough blow to Ryan Reaves coming straight from the Maple Leafs!
• Leafs linked to Shane Doan's son Josh Doan in trade talks