The Toronto Maple Leafs have opted not to qualify forward Pontus Holmberg prior to the July 1 free agency deadline, allowing him to become a free agent. The Tampa Bay Lightning quickly signed Holmberg to a two-year contract valued at $3.1 million. The deal averages $1.55 million per year, marking the end of Holmberg's tenure with the Leafs where he scored 49 points in 159 games since being drafted in the sixth round in 2018.

General Manager Brad Treliving cited arbitration concerns as a key reason for not qualifying Holmberg, stating they couldn’t agree on a suitable number. With the Leafs having filled all 23 roster spots, they currently have $4.98 million in cap space remaining. Holmberg's performance last season included 19 points in 68 games, but he was scratched during the playoffs, casting uncertainty on his future.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for the upcoming free agency, General Manager Brad Treliving has already made significant roster changes by securing extensions for key players like Steven Lorentz, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares. In a noteworthy move, Treliving orchestrated a sign-and-trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire Nicolas Roy in exchange for Mitch Marner. With 22 NHL players already re-signed, the focus now shifts to addressing their unrestricted free agents, including Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg, and restricted free agent Nick Robertson.

Treliving faces the challenge of working with limited salary cap space, approximately $8.9 million, while still looking to make impactful signings. Potential targets include Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets, whose offensive prowess could complement the Leafs' strategy, and Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, who might find a chance to thrive alongside Auston Matthews. Other intriguing options include veterans like Patrick Kane and Connor Brown, who could bolster the forward lines.