Not every move John Chayka makes is going to create massive headlines.

Looking ahead to July 1 when free agency opens, Chayka has already scratched off the best defenceman from the list, acquiring Darren Raddysh in a savvy sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Looking up front, and focusing on the Maple Leafs’ bottom six, there’s several options Chayka has to consider once the free agency flood gates open up. Chayka should have interest in signing veteran winger David Perron to play a role within the Leafs’ bottom six.

Perron isn’t going to cost very much to land, and it’s very likely going to be a one-year contract. The 38-year-old winger spent last season split between the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, appearing in 65 games, scoring 13 goals and 28 points. Perron’s not the offensive wizard he once was, but he’s very capable to play a third-line right-wing role, which is something the Leafs desperately need heading into next season.

Chayka has a huge gap among his bottom six, down the middle of the ice, and at third-line right wing. Toronto’s GM should be looking at Perron as someone who is affordable, experienced, a Stanley Cup champion, is self-aware to know his role, and play it to the best of his abilities every night. Perron’s work ethic is one of his best strengths, and he’s a pest on the ice, who also has serious offensive upside. Adding Perron makes Toronto’s bottom six tougher, and more annoying to play against, a trait they need more of heading into next season.

As the Leafs roster stands at the moment, they desperately need a right-handed shot winger for their second power-play unit. Darren Raddysh gives them everything they need for the top unit, but on the second unit, there’s no righty shot to help contribute, and Perron can fill the void. He’s proven over the course of his career he can produce with the man advantage and has the creativity to distribute the puck, and find his linemates in their sweet spots. Perron has 255 career power-play points, and the only knock on this potential signing, could be the fact he doesn’t have versatility to play down the middle of the ice. However, Perron’s the type of vet that if there’s an injury to a top-six winger, he can move up the lineup for a week or two, and be productive in short spurts, with more ice time.

It’s no surprise to see Chayka go the trade route multiple times already, as this summer’s free-agent market is very limited with high-end talent. Patrick Kane and Alex Tuch are intriguing, but it’s the bargain shopping where Chayka needs to hit home runs, and bring value to the Leafs lineup at a very reasonable cost.

Perron fits the bill perfectly. He’s coming off a two-year $4 million AAV contract he signed with the Senators back in July, 2024, and heading into this offseason, it’s likely his next deal is cut in half on both AAV and length. One year, $2 million, and add a modified no-trade clause to give Perron some say if things don’t go as planned. Done deal? Perron’s appeared in 110 Stanley Cup Playoff games, and has his name on the Cup, he deserves to have some protection on his contract, even if he is pushing 40 years old.

Despite his age, Perron hasn’t lost a step per se, but that doesn’t mean he blazes around the ice. Perron could be a great replacement for Calle Jarnkrok, who isn’t expected back with the Leafs, and the free-agent winger could be one of the more under-the-radar signings, that helps contribute to a few different elements of the team.

Signing Perron wouldn’t be Chayka’s flashiest move this summer, but it’s one that could have a solid impact on the Maple Leafs’ 2026-27 roster. Perron has played the last four seasons in the Atlantic Division, he’s entering the final stages of his NHL career, and he’ll want to join a team with a shot at winning the Stanley Cup.

Chayka has proven it’s win-now mode in Toronto, and it will be interesting to see if he offers Perron a one-year deal once free agency opens July 1.