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Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Out on Top Free Agency Target Following Shock Signing
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have to be very active in free agency, but that is being made difficult with teams re-signing players before July 1st even hits.
Heading into the trade deadline this season, one of the centers at the top of the Leafs' list was Brock Nelson, who at the time played for the New York Islanders.
In the end, Nelson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, while the Leafs ended up with Scott Laughton. We know how that turned out, and it wasn't good.
With Nelson's contract expiring at the end of the season, the Leafs were expected to be gunning for him once free agency began on July 1st.
Toronto Maple Leafs lose Brock Nelson
However, the Leafs will have to abandon that dream for good. The 33-year-old center has just signed a three-year deal worth $7.5 million per season.
After notching 26 goals and 56 points in 80 games this season, it is very clear that Nelson earned this contract. He also had four points in the playoffs, which was a solid showing.
Following the signing, Brock Nelson made a statement about the move and why he chose to sign now as opposed to exploring the market.
My family and I are excited to be staying in Colorado. Having spent my entire career with one organization, we weren't totally sure what to expect when we arrived in Denver. But getting the opportunity to play for the Avalanche, to compete with a great group of teammates in that locker room, and in front of the tremendous fans at Ball Arena, we knew this was where we wanted to stay.
While this will sting for the Maple Leafs, there is no doubt that there are plenty of other players who can be acquired at this point.
Brad Marchand, Nikolai Ehlers, and even Sam Bennett are all players who could realistically get new deals with the Leafs this summer.
Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can attract top tier talent and keep this team going even with Mitch Marner's supposed departure on the horizon.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 350 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Out on Top Free Agency Target Following Shock Signing Is Brock Nelson someone the Toronto Maple Leafs will miss out on? | ||
| YES | 226 | 64.6 % |
| NO | 124 | 35.4 % |
| List of polls | ||