Buffalo Sabres

Maple Leafs Hoping to Land the Top Two Free Agents This Summer

The Toronto Maple Leafs are holding out hope that the top two free agents hit the market on July 1.

by
Jackson Weber
April 15, 2026

All that is swirling around the Toronto Maple Leafs right now is uncertainty, and that will make for a fascinating locker cleanout day on Thursday as everyone finds out the latest on where things stand heading into a pivotal offseason.

The direction of the team is up in the air, and until they build out the front office and settle on a plan moving forward, that will remain the case. It will be up to whoever takes over to decide what that entails, though, according to insider Nick Kypreos, the Maple Leafs are expected to be involved in the sweepstakes for two of the top free agents this summer—Darren Raddysh and Alex Tuch—regardless of who is in charge.

Kypreos said:

“Regardless of who’s the next architect of the Leafs, those still involved in the organization are holding their breath that Lightning defenceman Darren Raddysh and Sabres forward Alex Tuch are available as free agents on July 1,”

The 30-year-old Raddysh and 29-year-old Tuch are, of course, both pending UFAs in the final season of their respective contracts—a two-year, $1.95 million deal and a seven-year, $33.25 million deal with the Lightning and Sabres.

Raddysh exploded for a career-best 70 points (22 goals, 48 assists) in 72 games this season, while Tuch had another strong campaign, tallying 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 78 games.

Darren Raddysh Alex Tuch Maple Leafs target

If Toronto is going to continue to retool its roster around superstars Auston Matthews and William Nylander, then targeting these potential top free agents definitely makes some sense, especially given the financial flexibility they’re slated to have this offseason.

Raddysh’s offensive prowess and ability to run the power play from the point are traits the Maple Leafs have long lacked, while Tuch’s size, speed, and skill would also check several boxes in terms of areas they need to improve. Both will likely be seeking significant pay raises, which is the one thing Toronto will need to be wary of—overspending out of desperation to get back into contention as quickly as possible.

Next: Offseason Trade Pitch Links William Nylander to the Seattle Kraken