Now up to 4 top players that won’t be back in Toronto!

On Thursday, a report from insider Frank Seravalli surfaced that Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving could be getting ready to bid goodbye to two key acquisitions that were made by Kyle Dubas in both Michael Bunting, who was a nominee for the 2022 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie, along with 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O’Reilly.

Seravalli’s report was only confirmed by insider Chris Johnston, who brought things up a notch adding two more names to the list of unrestricted free agents that are unlikely to return to Toronto. Johnston believes not only Bunting won’t be back, but he thinks the same scenario will take place with both Alex Kerfoot and Justin Holl.

“It’s my understanding at this point that some of the veteran players that have been with the Leafs that are UFAs like Alex Kerfoot, Justin Holl, Michael Bunting even… that they won’t be back,” Johnston said on the Chris Johnston show.

Bunting is looking to get paid after outperforming a two-year, $1.9 million contract he signed with the Maple Leafs in July 2021. In his Maple Leafs’ end-of-season media availability, Bunting told reporters that he did not discuss an extension during the regular season and almost spoke like he knew Toronto wouldn’t be able to afford him.

“Coming home to play in Toronto was a dream of mine since I was a kid, to play for this team and put the jersey over my head. It’s been pretty special to play here and it’s been even more special meeting this group of guys.”

Kerfoot, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in the Nazem Kadri trade in 2019, has been a versatile forward for the Maple Leafs. He too is seeking an upgrade on the $3.5 million year annual average value he earned on a four-year contract upon being traded to Toronto.

O'Reilly was acquired by the Leafs in a major trade in February, but for Seravalli, it was more than clearer that it was a rental deal only. 

"Ryan O'Reilly - I don't know why people seemed to combat this from the moment I said it back when the trade was made.. There was next to no chance that he was re-signing [in Toronto]."

As for Holl, I can’t say fans will be upset that he may not return as he often was a defensive liability for the Maple Leafs, being on the ice for 18 goals against during the two rounds of the postseason. He carried a $2 million cap hit for the past two seasons and even though he is likely to get a pay cut, the Maple Leafs will probably look to put that money elsewhere.

This is will be busy offseason for the Leafs and Treliving with questions still buzzing on the Core Four and now the many free agents unlikely to return to Toronto.

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