3 Last Minute PTO Targets the Maple Leafs Should Consider – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

As it stands, the Toronto Maple Leafs have little room to move when it comes to salary cap and roster spots. Still rumours have swirled late this offseason that they could have interest in former second overall pick Patrik Laine and other depth free agents that remain on the board.

Even with the lack of wiggle room, the Maple Leafs and John Chayka could still be looking on the market for one more piece. Or, given the overload of depth options already, they could be looking to add a player or two on professional try-outs (PTO) to garner some more competition as training camp gets underway.

With that in mind, here’s a look at three free agent options that the Maple Leafs could look to sign to a late offseason PTO.

Carson Soucy

Okay – the Maple Leafs defense already looks overloaded with the additions of Emil Andrae and potentially Ben Danford making a push for the third pairing. But Carson Soucy has made sense for this team for quite some time – even more so now coming off a tough season split between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders.

Soucy, now 32, had 12 points in 76 games last season. However, he’s not really known for his offensive production. In fact, he has just 99 points in 441 career regular season games. That said, what Soucy does offer is strong defensive zone coverage. He plays physically and isn’t afraid to block shots – something that could help the Maple Leafs goaltending this season.

He doesn’t have to be a player that the Maple Leafs have suit up for 75 games this season, nor do they have to utilize him for 20-plus minutes. But the rotating option on the third pairing right now with Andrae, Danford and Troy Stetcher could use some more competition – especially from a guy that could push for a lineup spot if he comes out strong in camp.

If nothing else, Soucy provides the team with a legitimate depth defenceman within the organization if someone were to get injured on the blue line. Much like Stetcher last season, Soucy could interest the Maple Leafs if offered a chance at a PTO prior to the season.

Eeli Tolvanen

We have to be missing something when it comes to Eeli Tolvanen. The 27-year-old is coming off a season with the Seattle Kraken in which he scored 12 goals and had 36 points in 78 games during the regular season. He’s a one-time 20-goal scorer and has 190 points in 423 regular season games.

Last season had some interesting underlying numbers for Tolvanen as well. His shooting percentage was just 8.5 percent, the second lowest in his career. His career average is 12 percent. He also saw the most average ice-time of his career, averaging just over 16 minutes for the Kraken which could indicate that he was playing in situations that maybe didn’t benefit his overall production.

Given that the Maple Leafs have a number of depth options, Tolvanen might not the first PTO candidate that comes to mind, but he’s a guy that could fit in to provide some depth production for the team and – as was mentioned – drive the competition in camp with some of the team’s other offseason signings and acquisitions.

James van Riemsdyk

Why shouldn’t the Maple Leafs bring back a familiar face in James van Riemsdyk? The 37-year-old is still producing and in a depth role. As of last season, van Riemsdyk had 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games. Sure, he has slowed down in recent seasons, but he also gives the Maple Leafs some net-front presence on a second power play unit with John Tavares playing that role on their first unit.

He hasn’t had fewer than 11 goals over each of the last four seasons and is still averaging roughly 11 to 12 minutes per game. His familiarity with the market is a plus as he knows what to expect with a little more experience since his last go-around with the Maple Leafs.

Add to that the player familiarity and he has the same agent as Maple Leafs’ star Auston Matthews – Judd Moldaver – and why wouldn’t the Maple Leafs consider a PTO for the former first liner? It gives the team to evaluate what van Riemsdyk can still provide on a no-risk deal.

With the start of the first 84-game season right around the corner, could we see any of these players at Maple Leafs training camp? Or will they sign a contract elsewhere before the puck drops on the 2026-27 season?