This summer, Brad Treliving could bring in undervalued power forward

With only about $24 million available under the cap and several key players needing contracts, the Hurricanes are in a tight spot. Among the notables are Jack Drury, Seth Jarvis, Martin Necas, Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Jordan Martinook, Brett Pesce, and Brady Skjei. Given these constraints, not everyone can stay.

Jordan Martinook, a seasoned forward, emerges as a potential casualty of these financial strictures. Martinook's journey began when he was picked in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, spending his first six years with the organization.

Brad Treliving, then assistant GM for the Coyotes and now with the Toronto Maple Leafs, knows Martinook from those early days. Treliving witnessed Martinook's development at the AHL level with the Portland Pirates, where he posted 23 goals and 49 points across 120 games.

In 2018, Martinook was traded to Carolina, where he has solidified his role as a reliable top-9 forward. His performance has been consistent, with 15 goals in his first season with the Hurricanes and a recent tally of 14 goals and 32 points in the 2023-24 season.

Martinook isn't just about scoring; his physical game includes 142 hits and 67 blocks over the last two seasons, alongside an impressive 77:38 takeaway to giveaway ratio. His leadership is underscored by wearing the "A" on his jersey, reflecting his integral role in both the locker room and on Carolina's penalty kill unit.

Now, as Martinook approaches free agency, the Leafs should pay attention. The soon-to-be 32-year-old is coming off a three-year deal worth $5.4 million. While he's due for a raise from his $1.8 million AAV, his blend of skill, grit, and leadership would fill a crucial void for the Leafs.

As Toronto looks to add toughness and playoff-caliber experience, Martinook could be an under-the-radar acquisition that pays dividends.

As the Hurricanes deliberate on their roster dilemmas, the Leafs have a prime opportunity to bolster their lineup by targeting a proven competitor like Martinook.

This move wouldn't just add depth; it would inject much-needed resilience and character into the Leafs, qualities that are invaluable come playoff time. As the situation in Carolina unfolds, Toronto's management should be ready to act swiftly, leveraging their insight and past associations to make a strategic addition to their squad.