NHL Rumors: 3 Teams to Target Noel Acciari This Offseason

Noel Acciari may be the most underrated pickup by the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. He does all the little things right on the ice. He brings the energy that is needed to go on a run in the postseason. Overall, he is a player who the Maple Leafs shouldn't let walk to free agency and should do everything in their power to re-sign. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen, and he could be available for all 32 NHL teams to try and sign. So let's take a look at 3 teams that could target him this offseason. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs have loved the addition of Noel Acciari. He has been as advertised since he was acquired from the St. Louis Blues. Toronto has a number of players on expiring deals this offseason and Acciari should be atop their priority list. The organization has established a bottom six that goes out and plays their roles to either carry momentum or to try and gain it. The Maple Leafs' window to win the Stanley Cup is closing sooner rather than later and attempting to keep guys like Acciari can increase their chances of winning.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins brought Noel Acciari to the NHL when they signed him out of college. He went on to find success with the club, which included postseason runs. The Bruins have shown the league that they are still an elite team and adding a guy like Acciari as a depth player can help replace some older players. Guys like Foligno whose best days are behind him can be replaced with Acciari, who can essentially do the same role but add a few other elements to the team, such as the penalty killing.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights seem to be the team that is in on almost every free agent. Well, if Acciari hits the open market, it wouldn't be surprising if they take a chance on him. There were some reports that the Golden Knights were in on him at the 2023 NHL trade deadline, but Acciari was dealt to Toronto. So they decided to go with Ivan Barbashev and Teddy Blueger instead. However, the Golden Knights play a rough style of game that he would fit into near perfectly, which should make them a strong suitor for him if he hits the open market on July 1, 2023.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports