Some cheaper options for the Leafs heading into free agency

Cal Clutterbuck is an intriguing option for the Leafs.

Will 16 get moved or not? Will Chris Tanev wear blue and white in October? Is the rumours about David Perron true?

Whatever the case may be, the Leafs have a rather busy offseason ahead. We all know about the bigger money options out there in free agency the Leafs are after, so here's a few cheaper options that I'd consider kicking tires with after the first wave of free agency is over.

Here are some cheaper options for the Leafs heading into free agency:

Jeff Skinner - It's been reported that the Sabres are planning to buy him out. If he does, the 32-year-old left winger could be a good fit. He certainly has his defensive warts but he can still do the thing that is needed in order to win: score. Now buyouts generally don't ask for the world AAV-wise after being bought out considering they're still getting cheques from their former employer but one would think the Toronto-born Skinner would be interested in a middle-six role with the Leafs and would take less money to make it happen.

Justin Schultz - Not a big name, but a solid bottom pairing guy who can move the puck and has some size. He's also two years removed from a playoffs that saw him register 10 points in 14 games with the Seattle Kraken. He'd be a nice PP option on the second unit as well.

Cal Clutterbuck - Yes, Ryan Reaves did revive his career to a certain extent after a tumultuous start to the season and was effective for the most part on the Leafs fourth line as a forechecker. But can we expect him to duplicate that next season when he turns 38 midway through the year? Now Clutterbuck isn't a spring chicken either (36 years old) but he can still get up and down the ice and he was once again top five in hits with 273 while playing in all 82 regular season games for the Islanders. Something to think about for sure.

John Klingberg - I know what you're all thinking. No way right? However, we all know the only way he's joining an NHL roster is at league minimum. By all accounts, he seemed to enjoy his time here - albeit while mostly working with the Leafs training staff. The Leafs do need to get bigger on the back end, but they also lack puck movers. When he's right - and that's a big IF - he could provide some good offence on the back end in a limited role.

Nick Cousins - The Leafs need centre depth and Cousins knows his role well. He's versatile in that he can play the wing too. He's one of the more dirtier players in the game but he can certainly get under the skin of players when he's on his game. We all remember Cousins netting the OT winner in Game 5 last year in the second round eliminating the Leafs. Would be an interesting addition for sure but a welcome one in my opinion.