Toronto Maple Leafs: Players They Should Pursue This Offseason

Playoff hockey has been dearly missed in Toronto.

The last time the Leafs made the playoffs was in 2003-2004. To give you an idea of how long ago that was, Brett Favre was the starting quarterback for the Packers, and the top musical artist was Kanye West.

It's been a long time.

The Leafs are building a strong team and in the following slides I give you my picks for players they should look to sign this offseason that could help this team finally reach the promised land.

Travis Moen

Travis Moen is exactly what the Maple Leafs are looking for.

He's a big, gritty forward who can play on the third or fourth line and inject some much needed bite into a severely lacking Leafs team.

Moen is also experienced, which is something else the Leafs desperately need. He should come at a reasonable price. He's a player who isn't afraid to throw his body around or drop his gloves if the need arises.

He's a Brian Burke type player who the Leafs should take a serious run at.

Josh Harding

This is a big one. Toronto has had goalie woes for years and this past season was no different.

We had the relatively inexperienced James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson who both played well for stretches but not consistently.

Here's where Josh Harding comes in. He's already a proven goalie with experience. At 27, he's not old, and he doesn't have a massive contract that could really handcuff the Leafs in the future.

The Maple Leafs need a proven, experienced netminder to help mentor whichever young goalie the Leafs keep. Josh Harding could be that guy.

George Parros

The Leafs lacked toughness last year. It's just a fact. Signing Travis Moen would help but getting George Parros as well would be a bonus.

Parros is an intimidating force whenever he's on the ice. He has size, 6'5" to be precise, and experience.

He's a smart player that would be able to play a regular shift on the third or more likely fourth line. He's not a one dimensional fighter; he can skate well and plays a smart game.

Word around the NHL this season had Parros displeased with being a healthy scratch for so many games. Burke knows exactly what he's capable of and signing him should ensure the Leafs will not get pushed around next year.

Plus his mustache could give Mike Brown's a run for its money.

Justin Schultz

What hasn't be said about him already? Speculation has been surrounding him ever since we all found out that he's not going to sign with Anaheim.

Here are the facts. He's a former college teammate of stud Maple Leaf rookie Jake Gardiner. He was drafted to Anaheim by Brian Burke. That's two Toronto connections right there.

Schultz is an offensive-minded defenseman. His skating is fluid and he has a wicked shot. As far as the Leafs go in pursuing UFA defensemen this summer, I'd say Justin Schultz is the way to go.

Jordan Staal

Let me explain before everyone starts ripping on this one.

Jordan Staal is a talented player that every NHL team would like to have on their roster. Both his and Sidney Crosby's contracts are coming up next summer. Both will want raises, but their time might be a little strapped on cash.

On the Leafs, Staal would get top six minutes, power play and penalty kill time. Burke would need a trade to make this work but stranger things have happened right?

Like Mike Richards and Jeff Carter getting traded the same day a few hours apart. If Jordan Staal becomes available, the Leafs should pounce.

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