Maple Leafs Quick Hits: Subban, Milano & Kerfoot

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs’ Quick Hits, I’ll look at two players who have not yet signed anywhere in the NHL and wonder if they might fit with the Maple Leafs’ plans. Those two players are PK Subban and Sonny Milano.

Third, I’ll comment on why Alex Kerfoot might be destined to leave the team.

Related: What Maple Leafs Do Right: Spezza, Clune, Wickenheiser & Keefe

Quick Hit One: PK Subban Is Unsigned: Might the Maple Leafs Be Interested?

There’s no disputing the fact that PK Subban isn’t the defensemen he was in 2103 when he won the Norris Trophy. Even then, Subban had flaws. He was good offensively, but he wasn’t strong defensively.

Subban’s play has diminished further over the past few seasons. Even with the New Jersey Devils, he went from averaging over 22 minutes TOI in the team’s top four to playing about 18 minutes on the third-pairing. Last season he scored only five goals and had 17 assists (for 22 points) in 77 games. 

Subban also has not been nearly as physical as he was earlier in his career when he averaged 100 hits a season for five seasons. Still, he plays with some physicality to his game and last season totaled 69 hits in 77 games.

There are rumors and calls for the Maple Leafs to sign him. Would he be a good addition to the team? It probably depends on how much he’d sign for. If he were willing to play for less than $1 million, he might be worth a look. At least, it might be an option to be explored.

One thing in Subban’s favor is that he plays the right side. If the Maple Leafs were confident enough to play Timothy Liljegren as one of the top four on the right side, Subban might be an option. But that’s a speculation. My sense is that the Maple Leafs are happy enough with Mark Giordano as a veteran presence on the defense and will use the space for younger options.

Quick Hit Two: Sonny Milano’s Still Unsigned: Might the Maple Leafs Be Interested?

Interestingly, Sonny Milano is still looking for a job this season. He was a non-tendered RFA, and the Maple Leafs need a second-line left-winger. Might he be a nice match on the team’s second line? And, if so, would he sign for a good price on a one-year, show-me deal?

It’s always surprising who does and does not get tendered with a qualifying offer. Milano seemed to have a scoring knack, and it was a bit of a surprise that the Anaheim Ducks let him walk. He had scored 14 goals and added 20 assists (for 34 points) in 66 games last season.

Milano ranked seventh in scoring on a Ducks’ team near the bottom of the NHL standings. In addition, his underlying advanced analytics showed that, in five-on-five situations, the Ducks were better with Milano in the lineup.

Milano is coming off the two-year, $3.4 million contract with the Ducks. Evolving Hockey projects he would sign a one-year contract for about $1.05 million. Although the Maple Leafs have limited salary-cap space, might they try to sign him?

Related: FANS WERE WRONG LAST SEASON ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS’ 3RD LINE

Quick Hit Three: Is Alex Kerfoot Destined to Leave the Maple Leafs?

There are speculations and rumors that Alex Kerfoot is destined to be moved to a new team soon. That would be too bad if it happened. Kerfoot is a versatile player who shows up both during the regular season and the playoffs. He provides secondary scoring and is value-added both on the power play and the penalty kill.

Last season he put up 51 points, which was a career year for him. But, he’s only signed for another season. In addition, he’s an attractive player because, after his signing bonus was paid on July 1, he’ll only cost the team he goes to $750,000 for the rest of the season.

That’s good value, and his $3.5 million salary-cap hit could help one of those NHL team’s trying to reach the bottom of the salary-cap limits. He’d be a good fit with another NHL team. If he does move, because he’s from Vancouver, I hope he finds a home with the Seattle Kraken or with the Canucks. 

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Salming, Wickenheiser & Abruzzese