Why Adding Veterans Could Be the Key to the Maple Leafs' Playoff Problems

The Maple Leafs playoff curse continued this season after a gut wrenching game seven loss to their newly found arch rivals Florida, putting an end to another year of confusion and frustration for Maple Leaf fans. But as another vital free agency nears, and a new front office to lead the charge this offseason, adding veteran pieces to their team could finally give them that final push they need to get over their playoff woes.

As some of Toronto’s main pieces including Mitch Marner and John Tavares are heading to free agency, it looks more certain that Marner is taking a one way ticket out of Toronto, whereas former captain John Tavares could stay at his beloved Maple Leafs for a discounted price. But it isn't all sadness for Marner fans in Toronto as his $10 million plus cap hit will make some much needed cap space, and free up some funds to bring in a haul of players who can help the team. 

Last offseason the Maple Leafs took it upon themselves to add Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz off the back of their Stanley Cup win with the Panthers, presumably adding some veteran presence, and some cup winning experience to a team who clearly lacked that winning mentality. And with free agency this year just around the corner, adding some well proven veterans could be exactly what they need. But where do they start?

First of all, it wouldn't be crazy to re-sign Max Pacioretty to a one or even two year deal after popping up in some really important games this season, but in terms of new additions, there is some great veteran talent available. Two notable additions which could catch Toronto’s eye are three time Stanley Cup winning captain Jonathan Toews, and Stars veteran, and long time captain Jamie Benn. With Toews looking to return to the NHL next season, and keen to join a contending team, his desires and competitiveness in unlike anyone we have seen in the NHL, and even as he gets older his captain and winning mentality is exactly what they need. As a captain who won it all three times, and knows how to up his game for the playoffs, had he come with a discounted price, Toews may be a really important addition for a team in need of a player with drive and fight like Toews has. And the other exciting possibility for Leafs fans, Stars vet Jamie Benn. Benn will presumably be let go by the Stars as his $9.5 million cap hit at his age of 35 may not be so attractive, but had he received a short term offer around five or six million by Toronto, he could just be tempted.

Aside from some major additions like Benn and Toews that the Maple Leafs can look at, it wouldn't be an issue for them to explore some of the even older vets like Brent Burns, or Claude Giroux. With their elite talent still being maintained at an older age, and the desire to go and compete, Giroux and Burns' price tags may not be as high as people may imagine this offseason, and could be signed for a steal. Players like Giroux and Burns who know the game as well as anybody, who can bring their wisdom and experiences is exactly what Toronto needs, and with an urgent change of formula needed, going down the veteran route is what they need. Wirth Giroux, Benn, Toews, and even Burns all being possibilities, any would be an amazing addition. With gritty, and old school physical styles, they would bring the fierce and unlikable aspect the Maple Leafs need for the playoffs, and working together as role players behind the core is a perfect situation for Toronto.