No, this summer’s free agent class isn’t spectacular. But there are still some real players in this bunch, many of whom can help the Toronto Maple Leafs in one way or another next season (and beyond).General manager John Chayka could go in a lot of different directions to address roster needs that include a top-nine centre (or two), a top-six winger (or two), a top-nine winger (or two), another defenceman (or two), maybe an energetic force on the fourth line and perhaps even a goaltender.Seeking some combination of speed, defensive ability, playmaking and tenacity, I’ve narrowed my list down to 10 free agents who would help to fill some of those holes. One caveat: the contract matters, obviously. A good fit stops being one at the wrong price and/or term.The list, presented in alphabetical order, could have gone much, much deeper. (Honestly, there are a lot of decent players out there!)Brady Tkachuk to the Florida PanthersSean McIndoe and Sean GentilleViktor ArvidssonAge: 33
Position: Middle-six wingerHe’s tenacious, he’s quick, he can score and he would be a meaningful upgrade on some of the middle-six wingers the Leafs used frequently last season: Nick Robertson, Matias Maccelli, Max Domi and Dakota Joshua. Arvidsson had his sixth season of 20-plus goals last year for the Bruins — he’s scored over 30 twice — and did so in only 69 games, playing 14.5 minutes a night. The bulk of that offense came at even strength, where Arvidsson was playing most frequently on a line with Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha.Maybe the Leafs slot him on a second line with fellow Swede William Nylander. The combination of Nylander’s passing and vision with Arvidsson’s big shot (he ranked in the NHL’s 99th percentile two seasons ago) could be lethal. Or maybe Arvidsson gets a go with Matthews, bringing the kind of speed/shot combo Calle Järnkrok once offered, only a lot better. He might even just bring scoring depth to a third line of some kind.Arvidsson did just turn 33, though, and there’s a chance, maybe a good one, that he gets overpaid in this free agent market.Oliver BjorkstrandAge: 31
