Maple Leafs Have the Perfect Opportunity to Change the DNA With Stanley Cup Champion

While it's exciting in the sense that the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be very active this summer, it's hard not to have second thoughts when looking at how thin the free agent market is going to be.

With general manager Brad Treliving voicing his concerns about changing the 'DNA' of the team, there are only really a handful of players that will be available this summer that can do exactly that. One player in particular would be Stanley Cup champion and former MVP Corey Perry.

Perry, who is about to participate in his 5th Stanley Cup Finals in 6 years, told the media earlier today that he will be coming back for his 21st season in 2025-26, thus making him an unrestricted free agent should he hit the market on July 1st.

It's been almost 10 years since Perry last netted 30 goals in a season. However, he has reshaped his game and has become the ultimate role player for contending teams as evidenced by his track record with Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Edmonton.

With 221 games of playoff experience, Perry has remained an instrumental cog as he enters the Finals with 7 goals and 10 points thus far as he looks for his first ring since 2007. Should a player of his ilk hit the market, the Maple Leafs have to be all over that as they look to change the layout of their team.

Perry is everything you want from a role player as he still has the ability to score, is a net-front power play specialist, remains aggressive and physical, is the ultimate pest, and would come in at a very low and effective cost.

Outside of the contract he received from the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, Perry hasn't seen a cap hit higher than $1.5 million since 2019-20 and even with the salary increase over the next few years, his next contract shouldn't shatter the mold.

It remains to be seen if he will walk away from the Oilers when they have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl employed but should he want to venture out closer to his home-base in Peterborough, the Maple Leafs will gladly welcome him with open arms.