The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t add much in terms of forwards in the offseason, eventually landing Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz on one-year deals, but with the Maple Leafs going into the offseason expected to revamp their defensive corps, this wasn’t much of a surprise.

One player the Maple Leafs were reported to have interest in forward Jeff Skinner, who was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres two years shy of the end of an extension he signed following the 2019-20 season. That extension was paying him $9 million annually, and while Skinner was productive in Buffalo for the most part, it was simply too hefty of a price for the Sabres to handle. So, Skinner became a free agent this past summer and almost signed with the Maple Leafs. Instead, he opted for a one-year, $3 million contract. Here’s a snippet from Chris Johnston on his podcast, the Chris Johnston Show, where he revealed that the Maple Leafs were a finalist for Skinner.

“But he’s going there [Edmonton] to win. I mean, he could have signed for one year and three million in about ten spots,” Johnston said on the latest episode of The Chris Johnston Show. “I know the Leafs were among the teams that had talked to him and were trying to pitch him in the idea, hey, you can play alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on our team.”

Skinner was an attractive target for the Maple Leafs this past summer with 24 goals last season, and 33 and 35 goals in the two years prior. Obviously, asking him to unlock that mid-30-goal potential would have been a tall order albeit one that would have given the Leafs some excellent value, and so far, it seems like the Maple Leafs came out on the better end of things. Skinner has struggled to start his season with Edmonton, with only six goals and 12 points in 32 games.

The Maple Leafs have arguably gotten better value out of Pacioretty, who has four goals and nine points in 19 games for the Maple Leafs. Not only has Pacioretty produced at a higher rate per game than Skinner, but he’s also embraced his role as more of a physical middle-six power forward, with 57 hits in those 19 games on the season. All of this for the cheap price of $1.5 million with only $873,770 of that counting against the cap. There’s still time for Skinner to perform up to the standards of his contract, but as of right now, it seems like the Maple Leafs are doing okay without him.

Alright, hockey fans, this isn’t just a trip—it’s the Nation Vacation, and we’re heading to the Music City from March 20th to 23rd! Get ready to watch Toronto take on Nashville in their own barn, soak up the honky-tonk vibes, and make unforgettable memories with the Nation crew. Whether you’re all in for a flight package or prefer a non-flight option, we’ve got you covered. Just don’t wait—spots are limited, and this trip is going to be electric. Book your spot NOW at nationgear.ca. Let’s go, Toronto! Nashville is calling!