Why Haven’t the Maple Leafs Signed a $20M D-Man for Pennies on the Dollar?

The Toronto Maple Leafs could sign Logan Stanley to a contract, given that the bruising 6-foot-7 defenseman is still without a deal as the summer rolls along. Granted, most teams could probably sign Stanley now that it appears his desire to cash in on the early success he had in 2025-26 hasn’t panned out (his late-season drop-off has cratered his value) But one could argue there’s a need in Toronto more than in other places.

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Editor in Leaf writes, “If the Maple Leafs signed Stanley, they would be adding a 6-foot-7, 231-pound shutdown defenseman who plays a heavy game to their blueline. With the Maple Leafs wanting to be a tougher team to go up against, it would make sense if they took a chance on Stanley with a short-term deal.” This is also a player who showed (in a relatively small sample size) that he can score.

In 59 games with the Winnipeg Jets last season, he had nine goals and 21 points. That allowed the Jets to sell him at the deadline to the Buffalo Sabres for a nice haul. Sabres fans know that it didn’t work out. Stanley had five points and zero goals in 17 games, ultimately becoming a healthy scratch during the playoffs.

That downturn has now cost him big money on the open market. The belief is that he was shooting for $4M or $5M times five years, and no one is biting. Now, he’ll be lucky if he gets a one- or two-year deal at $1.5M to $2M per season. Why not Toronto?

Can the Maple Leafs Sign Stanley Given Their Situation?

Known as a slow skater whose speed would be a concern, Professors’ Press Box writes, “If they signed him, the success of the move would have almost nothing to do with whether he suddenly became a better skater. It would depend on whether the coaching staff could define a narrow, useful role and stick to it.”

The Maple Leafs would have to decide if they’re willing to trade speed for toughness. If they did, they’d have to be comfortable with the number. What is Stanley worth? How long should the Leafs sign him for? The Leafs are currently over the salary cap ceiling. They don’t have the cap space to add him without making another move.

Maybe this is about finding out where Chris Tanev stands. Is he out for the season? Will he be ready to go? If his $4.5 million comes off the books thanks to LTIR, then that leaves Toronto about $1.75 million to sign Stanley. Would he accept that? Than again, Chris Tanev is healthy and already skating. He could be good to go.

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