Toronto Maple Leafs: Early look at 5 free agent defenceman targets
Travis Hamonic
When you look at the list of options the Toronto Maple Leafs could consider in free agency, Hamonic’s name isn’t one that screams as an attractive option.
He is capable of playing on the second pairing and a reliable penalty killer, which the Leafs would definitely need considering that was an area of concern the past couple of seasons. He is currently making $4.875 million, so it’s tough to see how much more he can get on a free agent market which might not be too kind to players this off-season.
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Brad Treliving has said the Flames want to bring Hamonic back considering they only have Giordano, Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson under contract past this season. It won’t be easy, however, considering the Flames have a lot of other options to look at.
What helps Hamonic’s case in free agency is the fact he is a right shot that can play tough minutes which is something almost every NHL team could use, especially ones that don’t have the internal options. It’s tough to see the Leafs being able to afford Hamonic unless he prices himself reasonably.
At the same time, the Leafs can’t afford to get in a bidding war for the 29-year-old who might prefer to stay out west, which was part of the reason he requested a trade from the New York Islanders a few years ago.
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Which free agent do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should pursue? Is there a player who isn’t listed that should be? Let us know in the comments below.