The Toronto Maple Leafs are having trouble attracting free agents.
Over the past few seasons, many players have chosen not to join the team. This summer was no different, as several players turned down offers from Toronto. The reasons vary: some cite the team’s lack of playoff success, others feel too much pressure playing in Toronto, and some simply get better deals elsewhere. The city known as the hockey hub now needs to convince players why they should be part of this franchise.
Players have been saying no to Toronto for a while now. Here are a few examples and their reasons:
Jeff Skinner Passes on Toronto for Edmonton
Chris Johnston from The Athletic and TSN confirmed that Jeff Skinner was offered a spot on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner by the Maple Leafs. Instead, Skinner chose to play with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton. Not a bad backup plan if you ask me!
Skinner had just been bought out by Buffalo. Although he didn’t confirm his interest in Toronto or explain why he preferred Edmonton, it’s clear that even with an offer to play alongside top forwards like Matthews and Marner, a 30-goal scorer still said no. Was it about the city? The roster? Or did he see a better chance of winning in Edmonton?
Fans might wonder if this trend will ever change.
Tyler Bertuzzi Joined the Rebuilding Blackhawks
Toronto openly wanted Tyler Bertuzzi back after his one season with them in 2023-24. He had signed a one-year contract worth $5.5 million and found success there. However, Bertuzzi wanted a multi-year deal that Toronto wasn’t willing to offer him.
Bertuzzi was open to returning but ultimately decided to join the Chicago Blackhawks instead.
What do you think about these decisions? Do you agree or disagree?
