Report: Maple Leafs On The Hunt for Left Winger

The Toronto Maple Leafs did a nice job boosting their defense this offseason, adding Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson in free agency (and maybe Jani Hakanpaa, though that is a big unknown at this point).

But what about up front? There wasn't a single addition made to the forward group, though that doesn't mean that the front office isn't still trying to make that happen.

It appears that the Leafs are looking to acquire a winger pic.twitter.com/TD49CW6c1U
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) August 25, 2024

I think there are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options.

According to insider Elliotte Friedman in his 32 Thoughts column, GM Brad Treliving is looking to add a left winger. Tyler Bertuzzi was lost in free agency to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The team goes into camp with Matthew Knies, Max Domi (when he isn't playing center), and Bobby McMann as the only certified left wingers. Nick Robertson is an unsigned restricted free agent, and if we take him at his word from earlier this summer, he doesn't intend to re-sign with Toronto.

The Leafs still need some depth scoring behind the 'Core Four' (yes, they are still intact), and while they will hope that Knies takes another step forward in his offense, and McMann can also build on his surprising 15-goal outburst, they definitely need more.

Prospect Easton Cowan could possibly be an option, but despite a 96-point season with the London Knights of the OHL, he is still only 19 and is not really being counted on for the coming season.

Meanwhile, the only potential left wing options on the UFA market would be Max Pacioretty and Nick Cousins.

This will be something to keep an eye on for the Leafs as we get ever closer to training camp.