NHL Insider Reveals How Close the Maple Leafs Actually Were to Signing Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews got the off-season rolling earlier this month when it was revealed that he would make his NHL return, with a decision expected prior to the draft.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of four teams in the sweepstakes before he eventually agreed to sign with his hometown club, the Winnipeg Jets.

While the Leafs were poking and prodding on Toews, it was ultimately a two-horse race between the Jets and the Colorado Avalanche. The Jets came through as the winner after they offered him a contract chock-full of incentives and bonuses.

A few days prior to him agreeing to sign with the Jets, a report came through that Toews was somewhat disinterested in a deal with the Leafs and that he might not have a "stomach" for playing in Toronto. Those sentiments struck true as Pierre LeBrun revealed exactly how close they got in negotiations.

While the Maple Leafs were hoping they could bring Toews into the fold, it seems like he had no real interest in the Maple Leafs the entire time.

Unfortunately for GM Brad Treliving, it was another opportunity lost, especially after falling short on a deal for Mason Marchment before his trade to Seattle.

It's not the ideal start to the off-season for Toronto with Mitch Marner walking via free agency, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad hoping to stay in Florida, and negotiations between Matthew Knies and John Tavares stalling at the moment. Add in Marchment and Toews finding new homes and the Leafs seem like they're behind the 8-ball.

With the draft less than a week away, which will then be followed up by July's free agent frenzy, the Maple Leafs have a bit of time to recuperate and start getting their ducks in a row. It's set to be a very important off-season but at the very least they have a bit of cap space to burn this year for hopeful free agents.