The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again being linked with a tough, physical forward in free agency. This time, it’s Sam Bennett, a strong two-way center known for his grit and playoff experience. He’s not a superstar, but he brings valuable energy and toughness. On paper, he seems like a perfect fit. But if we look at the Leafs’ past, there’s a reason to be cautious.
Toronto’s Past Mistakes with Physical Role Players
Over the years, the Leafs have tried to add tough players who bring a physical edge to the team. The most talked-about examples are Dave Bolland and David Clarkson.
Dave Bolland, also from Etobicoke like Bennett, was brought in during the 2013 NHL draft from the Chicago Blackhawks. He had a reputation as a hardworking, gritty center who could contribute offensively. Sadly, Bolland only played 23 games for the Leafs, scoring 8 goals and 12 points before moving on to the Florida Panthers. His career quickly faded after that.
Around the same time, the Leafs made a big move by signing David Clarkson to a seven-year, $36.75-million deal. Clarkson had just come off a solid season with the New Jersey Devils, where he scored 30 goals. Toronto hoped he’d bring that same fire. But Clarkson never lived up to expectations. He played only 118 games for the Leafs, with 15 goals and 26 points. He was eventually traded in a salary dump and retired a short time later due to injuries.
Sam Bennett’s Case: Similar Traits, Same Risks?
Now, let’s talk about Sam Bennett. Just like Bolland and Clarkson, Bennett is from the Toronto area. He’s 28 years old and has been known for his aggressive style of play. He has scored 20 or more goals in a season three times and just had a career-best 51-point season.
He’s already played 691 NHL games—more than either Bolland or Clarkson—and has racked up 100 playoff appearances. He’s thrown over 1,290 hits in his career, which shows how physical his game is. That’s impressive, but it also means his body has taken a lot of punishment.
While Bennett’s stats look good now, the concern is about what happens next. If Toronto gives him a long contract and big money, will he still perform at a high level, or will he follow the same path as Bolland and Clarkson?
Lessons the Leafs Should Learn
There’s a clear pattern here. The Leafs have taken risks on gritty, physical veterans in the past, hoping they’d become key players. But the heavy style of hockey often catches up with these players. By the time they join Toronto, they’re already slowing down.
This is why teams, including the Leafs, need to focus on developing their own physical players early on. That way, they get the best years out of them without overpaying for past performance.
Sam Bennett is a hard-working, experienced player who brings physicality and playoff know-how. He might be able to help the Leafs in the short term. But given the team’s history with similar players, Toronto should think carefully before making a big offer. They’ve been burned before, and repeating the same mistake would only set them back again.
The Leafs should be aiming to build a team that mixes skill and toughness through smart drafting and development—not just chasing familiar names in free agency. Bennett deserves respect for what he brings to the ice, but the Leafs must be careful not to sign him past his prime.
