Top Maple Leafs free agent target signs with heated Atlantic Division rival

Following another first-round exit, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eager to shake up their roster to adopt a more playoff-oriented style of play. Despite adding Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to their blueline and Anthony Stolarz in goal, the team has yet to make any significant additions on offense.

Now, Nick Cousins, a player that many Leafs fans believed would be a perfect fit due to his embodiment of playoff-style hockey, has opted to steer clear of the bright lights of Toronto, signing a deal with the Ottawa Senators instead.

Cousins, who is coming off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers last season, is known for his relentless play rather than his offensive prowess. Although he only recorded 15 points in 69 games for the Panthers last season, he prides himself on being someone who is hard to play against, contributing more with his intangibles and occasionally mixing it up physically.

Additionally, Cousins is recognized for his strong penalty killing, which is an area that the Maple Leafs could certainly benefit from bolstering. He also has a notable history with Toronto, having scored the game-winning goal in Game 5 of the second round of the 2022-23 playoffs, eliminating the Leafs in heartbreaking fashion.

It's likely that both Maple Leafs players and fans are disappointed that Cousins will remain in the Atlantic Division, where they will continue to face him more frequently next season.

Source: HockeyDB
Nick Cousins Statistics