MUST READ: The Only Forward the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Be Signing

The Toronto Maple Leafs have seen significant growth from their young players. Nicholas Robertson, Bobby McMann, Matthew Knies, and Pontus Holmberg have demonstrated their readiness to take on more substantial roles on the team next season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have also seen impressive performances from their 2023 first-round draft pick, Easton Cowen, who dominated the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Cowen won the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and OHL Playoffs Most Valuable Player awards, showcasing his talent and potential.

Despite the substantial financial commitments to the Maple Leafs’ ‘core four’ players, the team’s youth will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their success next season. However, this offseason has been largely consumed by Mitch Marner trade speculation and the potential costs of re-signing Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi.

It is crucial for the Maple Leafs to shift their focus to re-signing key restricted free agents like Timothy Liljegren and Nicholas Robertson. These players’ contributions are vital to the team’s future success, and ensuring their continued presence on the roster should be a top priority.

The Toronto Maple Leafs should focus on signing forward Jacob Quillan, who has demonstrated impressive college hockey skills. Quillan, a 22-year-old from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, has shown significant potential with 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists) in 39 games for Quinnipiac University this season.

He also has a strong NCAA career record with 93 points (38 goals, 55 assists) in 116 games. Quillan’s achievements, including winning the NCAA championship and being named the Frozen Four’s most outstanding player, highlight his exceptional talent and dedication. Signing Quillan could be a valuable addition to the Maple Leafs’ roster, particularly considering his affordable average annual value of $875,000

While the return of Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi would be welcomed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications of re-signing them. Realistically, their costs may outweigh their potential contributions, especially if the front office effectively addresses the team’s defensive issues. However, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern, as younger and more cost-effective players have the potential to be just as productive, if not more so, than Domi or Bertuzzi. This approach provides a sound financial strategy for the team.

As mentioned earlier, the Maple Leafs have several promising young forwards, such as Nicholas Robertson, Bobby McMann, Matthew Knies, and Pontus Holmberg, who have shown the ability to fill the roles of top-six forwards. The main reason for feeling confident in the team’s ability to manage without Domi or Bertuzzi is the impressive development of Nicholas Robertson last year. His growth and potential suggest that the Maple Leafs have internal options that can contribute effectively while fitting within the team’s financial constraints.

Nicholas Robertson concluded the season as one of the Maple Leafs’ top performers. He ranked second on the team in goals and fourth in points per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Moreover, Robertson stood out among NHL players with 400 minutes of ice time, ranking 16th in goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five.

Robertson’s impact extended beyond scoring, as he excelled defensively, ranking 28th among forwards in takeaways per 60 minutes. In comparison to Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, Robertson outperformed both players in all categories except points per 60 minutes, where Domi’s line with Auston Matthews likely contributed to his higher numbers.