NHL-NEWS: According to ESPN, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially confirmed the departure of phenomenal center, who will play center for New York Rangers team for four-years ,$23.4 million. following……

How Auston Matthews' 2021-22 season stacks up against other Maple Leaf  greats | Sporting News Canada

Maple Leafs Target Named ‘Top Remaining Free Agent’ Forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bolster their forward corps and they could still land the best available unrestricted free agent in a reunion with James van Riemsdyk.

According to Daily Faceoff, Van Riemsdyk is one of the best remaining free agents. The outlet listed him as the “Top Remaining Free Agent” in a column written by Matt Larkin on July 9.

Auston Matthews has 3 goals and an assist in Maple Leafs' 4-3 victory over  Flames – San Diego Union-Tribune

With the first wave of free agency already over and most high-profile free agents now signed, the Maple Leafs could still find a top-tier player available to bolster their offense. According to CapFriendly, via Larkin’s story, “a total of 185 deals were signed July 1, totaling $1,211,910,000” billion.

Auston Matthews has 3 goals and an assist in Maple Leafs' 4-3 victory over  Flames – San Diego Union-Tribune

Larkin’s updated rank also makes Mike Augello’s report for HockeyBuzz.com even more enticing for Toronto, as the NHL insider recently linked the franchise with a potential reunion with the unrestricted free agent.

Van Riemsdyk spent the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins scoring 11 goals and assisting 27 for 38 total points. He posted a plus-7 rating in 71 games and contributed 5 points in 11 playoff games.

Auston Matthews has 3 goals and an assist in Maple Leafs' 4-3 victory over  Flames – San Diego Union-Tribune

The forward completed a one-year deal with the Bruins with a cap hit of just $1 million. According to Daily Faceoff, he is projected to sign another one-year contract in the 2024 offseasons worth 1.2 million.