Another Top Free Agent Option Reportedly Disinterested in Deal With Maple Leafs

While the off-season technically just kicked off with the Stanley Cup Finals having ended, the Toronto Maple Leafs have already been pondering their next steps for the last month. Unfortunately for them, the free agent market hasn't been too kind, with their top target, Sam Bennett, likely to re-up in Florida, and they might have to cross another name off their list of players that they had a keen interest in as well.

This week, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli intimated that Jonathan Toews' final decision will likely be between either Winnipeg or Colorado, despite Vegas and Toronto carrying interest. He added that Toews might not have the 'stomach' for Toronto, and it essentially piggybacks off of Chris Johnston's initial report from a few days ago.

It's certainly not the news that the Maple Leafs were hoping to hear as Toews would have slotted in perfectly within their top-9, but it sounds like he would rather either return home and play for the Jets or join the Avalanche, who have firepower at all positions.

With Mitch Marner set to walk and Sam Bennett reportedly having no interest in the Leafs if he does reach July 1st without a deal in Florida, Toronto will need to look elsewhere for help.

With a lack of options on the open market that could truly make a difference, GM Brad Treliving might have to manufacture a trade or two, which could provide the Leafs with some better options.

Toews is set to make a decision relatively soon as his target date was somewhere in and around the draft. He's missed the last 2 seasons due to symptoms related to his bout with COVID-19, but believes he's ready to get back on the ice.

It remains to be seen how much he has left in the tank with just 124 games under his belt since the end of the 2019-20 season. However, based on recent reports, it's looking likely that it won't be in the Blue and White jersey or within the confines of the Scotiabank Arena.