### Speculation on Maple Leafs’ Free Agent Targets
There’s been a lot of talk about which free agents the Maple Leafs might pursue, with names like James van Riemsdyk being mentioned. But does the forward unit actually need such additions? The Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, have a promising pool of prospects ready to step up.
Take Pontus Holmberg, for instance. Although his regular season wasn’t particularly impressive, he played a key offensive role for Team Sweden in the World Championship. Similarly, David Kämpf, known for his defensive play, surprised many with his offensive contributions. Bottom-six left-winger Connor Dewar has also proven to be effective in his role. These players have shown they can handle more significant responsibilities despite their different roles.
With prospects like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten potentially ready for the NHL, it’s worth questioning whether the Maple Leafs need to heavily invest in aging free agents. The defense has been revamped, the goalie situation seems stable, and the forward unit might be stronger than expected. The real test will be to see how much room remains for free agents once the prospects have had their chance to shine during training camp. Quality players will still be available then.