Who Stays, Who Goes? 6 Maple Leafs Who Can Now Sign Contract Extension As Calendar Flips To 2025

Several Toronto Maple Leafs have been eligible for new contract extensions since the summer, but a handful of players are able to sign new deals should they come to terms with the club on a new contract.

As per the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, players who are on one-year contracts are able to sign an extension for the 2025-26 season and beyond beginning on Jan. 1, 2025.

So who may stay and who may go? Here is the list of eligible players.

Steven Lorentz, 4 goals, 3 assists, 38 games, previous contract: one-year, $775,000

Lorentz is one of four Maple Leafs who have played in all 38 games this season. A bottom six-forward, the 28-year-old lifelong Leafs fan has earned the trust of head coach Craig Berube and has finally established himself as an everyday player in the NHL. It's the perfect fit for both player and team and all signs point to a possible deal between both sides happening soon likeliest among the other candidates discussed.

Related: 'I Got This Passion From My Dad': Steven Lorentz Excited To Sign With Maple Leafs, Projects to be in Opening Night Lineup Against Canadiens

Phillippe Myers, 0 goals, 2 assists, 10 games, previous contract one-year, $775,000

The 27-year-old defenseman was signed in the offseason as a depth aquisition but made an immediate impression. In addition to finishing with the best fitness results on the team, the defenseman brought size and physicality that won over Berube, earning a spot on the roster and staying there all-season long.

Related: 'He Came Into Camp And Earned A Spot': Why Philippe Myers Is Making His Maple Leafs Debut Against the Bruins

Although he had to wait a while for his opportunity, Myers has been used more frequently as of late, usually as a defensive partner to Morgan Rielly, That alone might be enough for the Leafs to grand the defender an extension.

Max Pacioretty, 5 goals, 7 assists, 15 games, previous contract one-year deal with games-played incentives bringing it to $1.5 million

It wasn't clear what to expect from the 35-year-old veteran winger who twice injured his Achilles, but Pacioretty has carved out a role on the team's top-six forward group, most recently playing with Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Pacioretty sustained a lower-body injury that kept him out for a few weeks, but has been effective. He's learned to adapt his game to being a lot more physical. Playing with Tavares has rejuvenated both players. That alone may bring interest from the Leafs. Figuring out a dollar value will be tough, particularly given the player's age. If he continues to be a consistent player, Pacioretty may draw more suiters in free agency.

Related: 'Very Stuck In Their Ways': What The Maple Leafs Notice In Similarities Between John Tavares and Max Pacioretty

Connor Dewar, 0 goals, 2 assists, 20 games, previous contract, one-year, $1.18 million

Dewar avoided arbitration last summer, signing a one-year, $1.18 million deal. He spent the beginning of the season on long-term injured reserve recovering from shoulder surgery. But since returning, the player has brought some depth at the centre/wing spot on the fourth line while being used on the penalty kill. He is a restricted free agent at the end of the season and both sides may elect to wait this one out.

Related: 'There's Great Opportunity For Nick Here': Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Acknowledges Frustration From Nick Robertson But Wants Player in Toronto Despite Reported Trade Request

Nick Robertson, 6 goals, 3 assists, 31 games, previous contract, one-year, $875,000

This year has been a difficult one for the Leafs and Robertson to evaluate. The player began the offseason informing the club he wanted a change of scenery. Both sides settled on a one-year, $875,000 after it became evident there weren't any suitors. Robertson has finally found some chemistry as of late alongside Bobby McMann and Max Domi. but the 23-year-old has yet to produce at the same level he did last season. Still, we're not even halfway through the season and perhaps something might make sense. Robertson will be restricted free agent again at the end of the season, which is probably why this is a wait-and-see situation.

Related: 'He's Still Rehabbing': Why Jani Hakanpaa Remains Out Of Maple Leafs Lineup After Undergoing Procedure Earlier This Month

Jani Hakanpaa, 0 points, 2 games, previous contract, one-year, $1.47 million

The Toronto Maple Leafs' off-season figuring out if they were going to sign the big 6-foot-7 defender has been a lot longer than the player's on-ice tenure with the club. Recently placed on long-term injured reserve for the purposes of roster management, there was good news when Hakanpaa resumed skating following an additional procedure on his knee. The player was named to Team Finland for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February but it's unclear at this point if he'll be healthy enough to play. Given how things have played out thus far, he's the least likeliest of the names mentioned to sign an extension, let alone play many more games.

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.